English lavender is a popular herb often used in cooking and baking, but can you eat it straight from your garden? The answer is yes, but with some precautions.
English lavender flowers are edible, but only in moderation. In fact, the flowers can be used to make a variety of sweet treats, such as shortbread cookies and ice cream.
To harvest lavender safely, make sure to use clean scissors or pinch off the flowers to avoid contaminating the plant.
Growing and Varieties
English lavender, also known as Lavandula Angustifolia, is the most common edible variety. There are around 100 varieties within this species that can be used for cooking.
One of the great things about English lavender is that every variety can be used for culinary purposes. This makes it a versatile choice for bakers and chefs.
The blend of Royal Velvet and Folgate cultivars of lavender is highly sought after in the culinary world. This blend is a key component of our culinary lavender buds.
Our personal favorite lavender recipes include lavender lemonade and lavender jalapeno limeade.
Edibility and Safety
English lavender is a popular choice for cooking, and it's safe to eat in moderation.
To ensure you're using edible lavender, look for varieties from the Lavandula angustifolia species, like "Royal Velvet", "Folgate", "Melissa", "Munstead", or "Lady." These cultivars are known for their sweet flavor.
All English lavenders are on the sweet side, which makes them perfect for cooking. Avoid using other varieties, as their high camphor content can give food a soapy or perfumy taste.
While English lavender is not toxic, its strong flavor can be overpowering if used in excess.
Using in Food and Recipes
English lavender is a delight to cook with, but remember, less is more.
Use English lavender in baked goods sparingly, as its flavor can be intense.
Dried lavender is three times as potent as fresh, so use it accordingly.
Lavender pairs well with rich, fatty ingredients, cutting through its strong flavor.
Try making a brown butter by frying lavender into melted butter, perfect for spooning over steak or tossing with roasted vegetables.
Add a touch of lavender to lemon pilaf, whipped cream, or ice cream for a unique twist.
Make simple syrup by melting sugar and water with lavender to taste, then cool and use in cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages like pink lavender lemonade.
For pizza dough, add 1-2 teaspoons of lavender to your favorite recipe, and stick to vegetable and creamy mozzarella toppings.
Lavender honey is another option for use in baked goods or as a sweetener in tea.
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