Lavender In The Kitchen: Easy Ways To Add Floral Flavour To Everyday Recipes

Lavender is widely known for its calming scent and is commonly used in perfumes, candles, and skincare products. But what many may not realise is that lavender also holds a special place in the kitchen. When used properly, this delicate flower can elevate both sweet and savoury dishes with its subtle floral notes.

Selecting the Right Lavender for Cooking

It’s important to remember that not all lavender is edible. Only culinary-grade lavender should be used in food preparations. The best variety for cooking is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is known for its mild, sweet flavour and low oil content. Other ornamental types may taste bitter or contain too much camphor, which is unsuitable for food.

Preparing Lavender for Recipes

Lavender can be used either fresh or dried. If drying at home, hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dark area until completely dry. Then, gently remove the buds and store them in an airtight jar. As the flavour is quite intense, use lavender in small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.

Lavender-Infused Sugar: A Floral Twist

Creating lavender sugar is a simple yet effective way to infuse a floral hint into everyday recipes. Mix dried lavender buds with granulated white sugar and let the mixture sit in a sealed jar for about a week. Once ready, the infused sugar can be used to sweeten tea, bake cakes, flavour biscuits, or stir into yoghurt for a unique taste.

Homemade Lavender Syrup for Drinks and Desserts

Lavender syrup is another delightful option. To make it, combine equal parts sugar and water with a few teaspoons of dried lavender buds. Boil, then let it steep before straining the buds out. Once cooled, the syrup can be stored in the fridge and used in lemonade, cocktails, mocktails, or drizzled over pancakes and ice cream.

Baked Goods with a Floral Touch

Lavender complements a range of baked items, including shortbread, cakes, and biscuits. Use a pinch of dried lavender in combination with ingredients like lemon, vanilla, or honey to create balanced, flavourful treats. Its gentle floral essence enhances without overwhelming when used sparingly.

Lavender Sorbet: A Cool, Elegant Dessert

Lavender sorbet is a refreshing, elegant dessert ideal for warmer months. To prepare, mix lavender syrup with fresh lemon juice and water, then freeze until set. The end result is a light, aromatic sorbet that’s both sweet and soothing—perfect for summer entertaining or a calming after-meal treat.

Lavender offers a wonderful way to bring a creative, aromatic twist to everyday cooking. Whether in the form of sugar, syrup, or used directly in baking, this versatile herb adds a unique charm to your culinary creations. Just remember: a little goes a long way, and using the correct variety makes all the difference.