What Is Culinary Lavender and How Can It Elevate Your Cooking?

What Is Culinary Lavender?

Culinary Lavender Cultivars And Processing Techniques

Culinary lavender is not your ordinary lavender. It refers to a specific cultivar of lavender and the way it is processed. Popular cultivars used for culinary purposes are L. angustifolia ‘Folgate’, L. angustifolia ‘Melissa’, L. angustifolia ‘Croxton’s Wild’, L. angustifolia ‘Wykoff’, L. angustifolia ‘Miss Katherine’, L. angustifolia ‘Royal Velvet’, and L. angustifolia ‘Buena Vista’. These cultivars are chosen for their superior flavor and aroma.

The process of making culinary lavender starts with harvesting the lavender at the optimal time when the buds are fully formed but have not yet opened. This ensures that the buds contain the maximum flavor and aroma. The harvested bundles are then dried to remove any moisture. Once dried, the buds are carefully de-budded from the stems. This step is crucial as the stems and leaves of lavender have a stronger and often bitter taste that can overpower the delicate flavors in cooking. Finally, the de-budded buds are sifted multiple times to remove any impurities and ensure only the highest quality lavender is used.

Choosing The Right Lavender Cultivars For Culinary Use

When it comes to selecting the right lavender cultivars for culinary use, it is essential to focus on True Lavender cultivars, rather than Lavandin. True Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, is known for its superior flavor and aroma compared to Lavandin, which is more commonly used in cosmetic products and soaps. True Lavender has a sweeter and more palatable flavor that is easier to use in cooking.

When buying culinary lavender, it is important to look for vibrant blue-purple colors. This indicates that the lavender is fresh and of high quality. The aroma should have a spicy, minty quality without being overly perfumy. It is recommended to source culinary lavender from reputable suppliers who prioritize sourcing transparency and support local farmers. This ensures freshness and helps in promoting sustainable farming practices.

• Focus on True Lavender cultivars for culinary use
• True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has superior flavor and aroma compared to Lavandin
• True Lavender has a sweeter and more palatable flavor
• Look for vibrant blue-purple colors when buying culinary lavender
• Blue-purple colors indicate freshness and high quality
• Aroma should have a spicy, minty quality without being overly perfumy
• Source culinary lavender from reputable suppliers
• Reputable suppliers prioritize sourcing transparency and support local farmers
• Buying from them ensures freshness and promotes sustainable farming practices.

The Process Of Making Culinary Lavender

The process of making culinary lavender is meticulous and time-consuming. It starts with harvesting lavender at the perfect stage of maturity when the flower buds are fully developed but haven’t opened yet. This stage is crucial as it ensures the highest concentration of essential oils is present in the buds, giving culinary lavender its distinct flavor and aroma.

After harvesting, the lavender bundles are carefully dried to remove any moisture. The drying process enhances the concentration of essential oils and helps preserve the flavor and aroma of the lavender. Once dried, the buds are separated from the stems and leaves through a process called de-budding. This step is vital as the stems and leaves have a more pungent and bitter taste compared to the delicate flavors of the flower buds.

To ensure the utmost quality, the de-budded buds are sifted multiple times. This process helps remove any impurities or debris that may have been collected during the harvesting and drying stages. The result is a pure and highly potent culinary lavender, ready to elevate your cooking.

Utilizing Only The Lavender Flower Buds In Cooking

When cooking with culinary lavender, it is crucial to focus on using only the flower buds. The stems and leaves of the lavender plant possess a more intense taste that can overwhelm and create a bitter flavor. By sticking with the flower buds, you ensure a more delicate and enjoyable flavor profile.

To incorporate culinary lavender into your recipes, simply add the flower buds. Whether you choose to use them whole or crushed depends on your personal preference. Keep in mind that culinary lavender has a strong flavor, so it is essential to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other tastes in your dish. You can directly incorporate lavender into dishes like salads, roasted vegetables, and marinades, or use it to infuse ingredients like sugar, honey, or oils.

• Use only the flower buds of lavender for cooking
• Whole or crushed buds can be added to recipes
• Don’t use stems or leaves as they have a stronger taste
• Use small amounts to avoid overpowering other flavors
• Lavender can be added directly to dishes or used for infusing various ingredients

Remember, the stems and leaves of the lavender plant have a stronger taste that can be overpowering and bitter. Stick to using only the flower buds for a more delicate flavor.

Enhancing Flavors With Culinary Lavender In Small Amounts

Culinary lavender is not just a pretty flower; it has the power to enhance the flavors in your recipes. When used in small amounts, culinary lavender adds a unique and fragrant twist to both sweet and savory dishes. It pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, berries, chocolate, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.

To make the most of culinary lavender in your cooking, it is important to use it sparingly. Start with small amounts and gradually increase if desired. This allows the lavender to delicately enhance the other flavors without overpowering the dish. Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to culinary lavender.

• Culinary lavender enhances the flavors in recipes
• It adds a unique and fragrant twist to dishes
• Pairs well with citrus, berries, chocolate, and herbs like thyme and rosemary
• Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish
• Start with small amounts and adjust to taste

“A little goes a long way when it comes to culinary lavender.”

Where To Find And Purchase Culinary Lavender

Fortunately, culinary lavender is not as elusive as it may seem. You can find it in various places, including spice shops, farmers markets, health food stores, and even online. When purchasing culinary lavender, it is crucial to choose a high-quality product that is vibrant in color and has a strong aroma.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of sourcing transparency and to support local farmers when possible. By choosing suppliers who prioritize freshness and sustainable farming practices, you not only ensure the quality of your culinary lavender but also contribute to the well-being of the farming communities involved in its cultivation.

In conclusion, culinary lavender is a unique and versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking to new heights. Its distinct flavor and aroma, along with its ability to enhance other flavors, make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. By choosing the right cultivars, understanding the process of making culinary lavender, and using it sparingly, you can unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities. So, why not embrace the beauty and flavor of culinary lavender in your next culinary adventure?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is culinary lavender called?

Culinary lavender is commonly referred to as English lavender. It is commercially sold under different names such as Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis, or Lavandula vera. It is also occasionally labeled as “true English lavender.” This particular variety is highly sought-after and widely used for its culinary purposes.

What is the culinary use of lavender?

Lavender, with its delicate and aromatic flavor, holds a versatile role in the culinary world. This herb can be used in various ways to enhance a wide range of dishes and beverages. Adding fresh lavender to salads, cocktails, and lamb infuses them with a uniquely floral and refreshing taste. Additionally, its compatibility with citrus, fruits, and desserts like crème brulee adds a delightful twist to these creations. Dried lavender can also serve as a valuable ingredient, contributing to the flavors of rubs, marinades, sauces, cookies, and even sorbet, providing a touch of elegance and complexity to each bite.

Which type of lavender is edible?

When it comes to cooking, it is important to use culinary lavender exclusively. While there are numerous lavender types available, not all are suitable for consumption as they are primarily cultivated for their aromatic oil. The English lavender varieties, such as Hidcote, Munstead, and Lady, are the top choices for edible lavender due to their exceptional taste and culinary applications.

Is dried lavender the same as culinary lavender?

While dried lavender and culinary lavender may seem similar, they are not exactly the same. Culinary lavender refers specifically to English lavender (lavandula angustifolia), which has a milder aroma and contains less essential oil in its delicate flowers. On the other hand, dried lavender can include various lavender species and may have a more intensified flavor due to the concentration of essential oils. It is important to exercise caution and moderation when using dried lavender in recipes to avoid overpowering the dish.