Lavender, known for its aromatic, purple flowers, has long been associated with relaxation and wellness. While it’s famous for its role in aromatherapy, lavender’s culinary potential is often overlooked. This versatile herb isn’t just for decoration or essential oils—it also brings an unexpected, fragrant twist to both sweet and savory dishes. Beyond its delightful flavor, lavender offers a surprising range of nutritional benefits. In this post, we’ll dive into the culinary uses of lavender and its nutritional value.

The Flavor Profile of Lavender

Lavender has a distinctive flavor that combines floral, herbal, and slightly sweet notes, with a touch of earthiness. The most commonly used variety for culinary purposes is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender. Certain lavandin varieties are also suitable for cuinary applications though, especially the cultivar Gros Bleu. When used in cooking, lavender adds a unique twist to dishes, balancing floral sweetness with a mild herbal undertone. The intensity of the flavor can vary, so it’s important to use lavender sparingly—especially when cooking with dried lavender, which is more concentrated.

Culinary Uses of Lavender

Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb that can enhance a wide variety of dishes, from baked goods to beverages, and even savory meals. Here are some creative and delicious ways to use lavender in your kitchen:

1. Lavender-Infused Beverages

Lavender adds a calming floral note to many beverages, making it the perfect addition to teas, cocktails, and lemonades. You can steep fresh or dried lavender buds in hot water to create a soothing lavender tea, or infuse the buds into syrups for lemonade or cocktails. Before infusing, be sure to have a strainer and some cheesecloth on hand to strain out the buds.

• Lavender Lemonade: To make lavender lemonade, steep dried lavender in hot water, then mix with fresh lemon juice and sweetener (like honey or sugar) to create a refreshing, floral drink.
• Lavender Iced Tea: Brew your favorite tea and infuse it with lavender buds for a cool, aromatic summer drink. Combine the lavender with herbal teas like chamomile or mint for an added layer of flavor.
• Lavender Cocktails: Add a dash of lavender syrup to cocktails such as gin and tonics, mojitos, or martinis for a sophisticated twist. You can also infuse alcohol like vodka or rum with lavender for unique homemade spirits.

2. Lavender in Baking and Desserts

Lavender shines in sweet dishes, particularly those featuring citrus, berries, or chocolate. A light touch of lavender can elevate cookies, cakes, and pastries by adding a floral dimension.

• Lavender Shortbread Cookies: Combine lavender with butter, flour, and sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth treat with a subtle floral note. The earthy sweetness of lavender complements the richness of the butter.
• Lavender Cakes and Cupcakes: Lavender pairs beautifully with lemon and honey. Try incorporating dried lavender buds into lemon cakes or drizzle a lavender-infused honey glaze over cupcakes for a perfect balance of floral sweetness and citrusy tang.
• Lavender Ice Cream: Lavender ice cream or gelato is a refreshing and unexpected dessert. Steep dried lavender in cream to infuse the flavor before making the ice cream base.

3. Lavender in Savory Dishes

Though lavender is often associated with desserts, it also works well in savory dishes. It pairs particularly well with ingredients like lamb, chicken, or roasted vegetables, as well as with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint.

• Herb Blends: Lavender is often included in herb mixes such as Herbes de Provence, a traditional French blend of lavender, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and basil. This blend can be used to season meats, pizza and pasta, vegetables, and even soups or stews. This blend has replaced the salt shaker on our table.
• Lavender-Infused Roasted Vegetables: Try adding a sprinkle of dried lavender to roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or squash for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
• Lavender Chicken or Lamb: Lavender pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats. You can use lavender in marinades, rubs, or as a garnish. A lavender and honey glaze works particularly well on lamb, offering a floral sweetness that complements the rich flavor of the meat.

4. Lavender in Jams, Syrups, and Sauces

Lavender can also be used to create jams, syrups, and sauces that can be used to add flavor to a variety of foods.

• Lavender Jam or Jelly: Lavender-infused jams pair beautifully with scones, croissants, or cheeses. To make lavender jam, simply infuse lavender into the sugar before making your favorite fruit jam recipe.
• Lavender Syrup: Lavender syrup is a versatile addition to pancakes, waffles, or yogurt, and can also be used as a sweetener for iced teas and cocktails. Be sure to try it on ice cream! You can easily make lavender syrup by steeping lavender buds in a simple syrup made with sugar and water.
• Lavender Sauces: For a more savory approach, lavender can be incorporated into savory sauces, particularly those made for roasted meats or poultry. A lavender-infused balsamic glaze can be drizzled over grilled vegetables or meats for a sophisticated flavor.

Nutritional Value of Lavender

In addition to its culinary uses, lavender offers a variety of health benefits. While it’s used in small amounts, the compounds in lavender can contribute to overall wellness. Have a look at some of the nutritional value of lavender here.