Which Lavender Is Edible?
The edible lavender varieties are English lavender (Hidcote), English lavender (Munstead), and English lavender (Lady).
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The variety of lavender known as Lavandula angustifolia, commonly referred to as English lavender, is the most popular choice for culinary purposes as its delicate, sweet flavor enhances both savory and sweet dishes.
2. Not all lavender varieties are suitable for consumption. The species called Lavandula stoechas, also known as French lavender or Spanish lavender, contains camphor which gives it a strong, pungent flavor, making it less desirable for culinary applications.
3. In addition to its culinary uses, lavender has been utilized for centuries in natural remedies. When used in aromatherapy, lavender oil is believed to ease anxiety and improve sleep quality.
4. The vibrant purple color of lavender flowers is caused by pigments called anthocyanins. However, it is interesting to note that lavender plants can also produce white or pink flowers due to natural genetic variations.
5. The word “lavender” is derived from the Latin term “lavare,” which means “to wash.” This is because lavender has long been appreciated for its soothing fragrance and its ability to freshen linens when used in laundry.
English Lavender: Hidcote
English lavender, specifically the Hidcote variety, is highly regarded for its culinary applications. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is an aromatic herb with gray-green foliage and vibrant purple flowers, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens. Its delicate fragrance and sweet flavor make it a valuable ingredient in various dishes.
In the kitchen, Hidcote lavender can be used to infuse syrup, sugar, or honey, imparting a unique and fragrant twist to desserts and cocktails. It complements berries, chocolate, and citrus exceptionally well. Additionally, the dried flowers can be finely ground and used as a seasoning in savory dishes like soups, stews, and roasted meats. Incorporating Hidcote lavender adds a floral note and a touch of elegance to culinary creations.
- Hidcote lavender is a compact and aromatic herb
- Gray-green foliage and vibrant purple flowers
- Delicate fragrance and sweet flavor
- Infuse syrup, sugar, or honey for desserts and cocktails
- Complements berries, chocolate, and citrus
- Ground dried flowers as seasoning in savory dishes
- Adds floral note and elegance to culinary creations.
English Lavender: Munstead
Another edible variety of English lavender is Munstead, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’. Named after Munstead Wood, the garden where it was first cultivated, this lavender is prized for its strong essential oils and rich flavor. With its compact growth habit and deep purple flowers, Munstead lavender is not only a culinary delight but also a visually appealing addition to any herb garden.
Munstead lavender is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. Its floral aroma and slightly sweet taste make it a popular choice for baking, particularly in cakes, cookies, and shortbread. The flowers can also be steeped in hot water to create a soothing lavender tea, which is known for its relaxation and calming properties. Additionally, Munstead lavender can be added to marinades, salad dressings, and herb rubs to impart a unique flavor profile to meat and vegetable dishes.
For culinary purposes, Munstead lavender offers the following benefits:
- Strong essential oils and rich flavor
- Floral aroma and slightly sweet taste
- Versatility in both sweet and savory dishes
- Options for baking, tea, and seasoning
In conclusion, Munstead lavender is a versatile and flavorful herb that adds a unique touch to a variety of dishes. Its visual appeal and soothing properties make it a valued addition to any herb garden.
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English Lavender: Lady
Lady lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lady’, is a lesser-known edible variety of English lavender that should not be overlooked. This compact and bushy plant produces delicate purple flowers with a strong floral scent and a subtle hint of citrus. Lady lavender’s flavor is slightly more delicate compared to other varieties, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more nuanced lavender taste in their culinary creations.
The flowers of Lady lavender can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Here are a few ideas:
- Infusion: Steep the flowers in cream or milk to infuse desserts like panna cotta or ice cream with a gentle lavender flavor.
- Cocktails: Use Lady lavender to flavor delicate and floral cocktails, such as lavender-infused lemonade or lavender gin and tonic.
- Vinaigrettes: Incorporate the flowers into homemade vinaigrettes for a unique twist of fragrance and taste.
- Salads: Sprinkle the flowers over salads to add an unexpected burst of fragrance and taste.
As Steve Maraboli said, “The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.” So, embrace the delicate and flavorful goodness of Lady lavender in your culinary adventures!
“The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.” – Steve Maraboli
Mediterranean Lavender
Mediterranean lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas, is an edible variety that deserves a place in any culinary enthusiast’s garden. This lavender variety is characterized by its vibrant purple flowers topped with unique and showy bracts, which resemble rabbit ears.
Mediterranean lavender has a distinctive flavor that is slightly more pungent and resinous compared to English lavender varieties.
In Mediterranean cuisine, the flowers of this lavender variety are commonly used to flavor sugar and honey, infuse herbal teas, or garnish desserts. The intense aroma and flavor of Mediterranean lavender lend themselves well to Mediterranean dishes, such as roasted lamb, grilled fish, and tomato-based sauces. It can also be added to herb blends and rubs for a delightful twist on traditional seasonings.
French Lavender
French lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula dentata, is a visually striking and fragrant variety primarily used for decorative purposes. However, its flowers can also serve as a delightful addition to cooking, making it an edible lavender variety worth considering. French lavender is characterized by its serrated gray-green leaves and elongated flowers topped with smaller purple bracts.
In the culinary world, French lavender is primarily used as a garnish or decorative element due to its lovely appearance and distinctive fragrance. The flowers can enhance the visual appeal of desserts, such as cakes, tarts, and sorbets. Additionally, French lavender complements herbal tea blends and can be steeped with citrus fruits to create a flavorful and refreshing beverage. Although its flavor may be milder than other lavender varieties, its unique aroma adds a touch of sophistication to any culinary creation.
Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas ‘Spanish’, is a robust and visually striking lavender variety that can also be used in cooking. This variety is characterized by its compact growth habit, gray-green foliage, and striking purple flowers topped with distinctively larger bracts. Spanish lavender has a slightly more medicinal and resinous flavor compared to other culinary lavender varieties.
When it comes to culinary applications, Spanish lavender is often used to:
- Flavor sugar and honey,
- Infuse vinegars, or
- Create aromatic oils.
Its intense flavor pairs well with savory dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats, adding a unique and aromatic twist to your meals. Additionally, the flowers can be added to syrups or jams, creating a floral sensation in spreads or drizzled over breakfast items such as pancakes or waffles.
Note: Spanish lavender adds a distinct flavor and aroma to culinary creations.
Various edible lavender varieties offer vast possibilities in culinary creations. Whether you choose English lavender such as Hidcote, Munstead, or Lady, Mediterranean lavender, French lavender, or Spanish lavender, each brings its own unique flavor and aroma to elevate your dishes. Experimentation with these versatile herbs will open up a world of delicious possibilities, allowing you to infuse your culinary creations with the distinct beauty and fragrance of lavender.
- Spanish lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas ‘Spanish’, is a robust and visually striking lavender variety that can also be used in cooking.
- This variety is characterized by its compact growth habit, gray-green foliage, and striking purple flowers topped with distinctively larger bracts.
- Spanish lavender has a slightly more medicinal and resinous flavor compared to other culinary lavender varieties.
- Spanish lavender is often used to flavor sugar and honey, infuse vinegars, or create aromatic oils.
- Its intense flavor pairs well with savory dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
- The flowers can be added to syrups or jams, creating a floral sensation in spreads or drizzled over breakfast items such as pancakes or waffles.
Spanish lavender adds a distinct flavor and aroma to culinary creations.
- Various edible lavender varieties offer vast possibilities in culinary creations.
- Each lavender variety, including English lavender such as Hidcote, Munstead, or Lady, Mediterranean lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender, brings its own unique flavor and aroma to elevate dishes.
- Experimentation with lavender opens up a world of delicious possibilities, allowing you to infuse your culinary creations with the distinct beauty and fragrance of lavender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all lavender edible?
While lavender is generally considered safe for consumption, not all varieties are suitable for culinary purposes. Culinary lavender, usually derived from Lavandula angustifolia plants, is the preferred choice due to its lower oil content compared to the lavender used in perfumes and soaps. It is important to exercise caution and ensure you are using the appropriate type of lavender when cooking or baking to avoid any unpleasant or overpowering flavors.
What kind of lavender is not edible?
While lavender is often used as a culinary herb, it is important to avoid certain lavender species with high camphor content if you plan on consuming it. Lavandula Stoechas, Lavandula Latifolia, and Lavandula X Intermedia (Lavandin) are lavender varieties you would want to steer clear of. These lavenders may not be toxic, but they can impart a soapy or perfumy flavor to your food, making them undesirable for edible purposes.
What is the best edible lavender?
When it comes to the best edible lavender, the English lavender varieties such as Hidcote, Munstead, and Lady are considered top choices. While there are numerous lavender varieties, these English lavender types are specifically cultivated with edible purposes in mind. Their delicate flavor and fragrance make them suitable for both sweet and savory dishes, but using lavender in culinary creations requires a certain finesse to achieve the perfect balance of taste.
Which lavender is best for tea?
When it comes to selecting the best lavender for tea, English lavender, also known as true lavender, emerges as an exceptional choice. Renowned for its sweet, floral fragrance and subtle taste, it perfectly compliments your tea infusions. The delicate notes of English lavender impart a delightful and soothing essence to your tea-drinking experience, making it the ultimate choice for lavender tea enthusiasts.