Lavender sea salt is a unique and flavorful seasoning made by infusing sea salt with dried culinary-grade lavender buds. This simple combination creates a gourmet salt that beautifully balances the savory taste of sea salt with the subtle, sweet, and floral notes of lavender. It is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and a fragrant twist to both sweet and savory dishes.
The process of making lavender sea salt involves carefully blending high-quality sea salt, often from France or other coastal regions, with English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This variety of lavender is chosen specifically for its low camphor content and sweeter flavor, ensuring the salt doesn't have a bitter or medicinal taste. The lavender buds are either mixed whole into the salt or ground slightly to release their aroma and flavor. Over time, the salt absorbs the fragrant oils from the lavender, creating a beautifully aromatic and flavorful seasoning.
Lavender sea salt is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. For savory applications, it can be used as a finishing salt for roasted meats like chicken or lamb, where it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme. It's also a perfect seasoning for roasted vegetables, especially potatoes and carrots, adding a unique depth of flavor. A simple sprinkle of lavender sea salt over scrambled eggs or fresh tomatoes can transform a simple meal into something special.
In sweet applications, lavender sea salt adds a surprising and delightful complexity. A pinch on top of dark chocolate, caramel, or cookies can create a sophisticated flavor contrast. You can also use it to rim the glasses of cocktails, like a lavender gin and tonic or a margarita, to provide a fragrant and flavorful first sip. It can also be sprinkled on fresh fruit or used in baked goods to enhance their flavor with a touch of floral elegance.
For anyone who appreciates the serene feeling of a lavender farm or enjoys experimenting with unique flavors, lavender sea salt is a wonderful pantry staple. It's an easy way to bring the essence of a place like Door County WI into your cooking. You can buy lavender online from trusted sources to ensure you get a high-quality, culinary-grade product.