First Steps in Cooking with Lavender: A Beginner’s Guide

As my wife and I are eagerly awaiting a 1kg bag of culinary lavender sourced from a small business called Mimea via their Amazon shop, we decided to take a look at writing a blogpost on the culinary uses for lavender and here are the results:

Lavender, with its distinctive aroma and subtle floral notes, is a versatile ingredient that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. 

Though often merely associated with fragrances and potpourri, lavender’s culinary potential is vast, especially when used in moderation. Here’s how you can begin your culinary journey with this delightful herb.

Understanding Lavender Varieties

Before you start cooking with lavender, it's essential to choose the right variety. Culinary lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender, is the best option for cooking. Avoid ornamental lavenders, as they can have a strong, camphor-like flavour that’s unsuitable for culinary use.

Preparing Lavender for Cooking

Lavender can be used both fresh and dried, but dried lavender is more commonly used in cooking. Here’s how to prepare it:

Drying Lavender: If you have fresh lavender, hang it upside down in a cool, dark place for about two weeks until it's completely dry. Once dried, remove the flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Grinding Lavender: For most recipes, you’ll need ground lavender. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to achieve a fine texture. This helps to evenly distribute the flavour throughout your dish.

Using Lavender in Cooking

Lavender’s strong flavour means a little goes a long way. Start with small amounts and gradually adjust to taste. Here are some tips and simple recipes to get you started:

1. Lavender Sugar

Lavender sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in baking and beverages.

Ingredients:

200 grams of granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers

Method:

Combine the sugar and lavender flowers in a food processor.

Pulse until the lavender is finely ground and mixed well with the sugar.

Store in an airtight container and use it to sweeten tea, sprinkle on biscuits, or add to cake batters.

2. Lavender-Infused Honey

This fragrant honey can elevate your morning toast or be used in various desserts.

Ingredients:

250 grams of honey

2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers

Method:

In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey until it’s warm but not boiling.

Stir in the lavender flowers and remove from heat.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to infuse, then strain out the lavender.

Store the infused honey in a jar and use as desired.

3. Lavender Shortbread Biscuits

These buttery biscuits are perfect for an afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

225 grams of unsalted butter, softened

100 grams of caster sugar

300 grams of plain flour

1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers

Method:

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or Gas Mark 3.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Gradually add the flour and lavender, mixing until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick and cut into shapes.

Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.honey,sugar,

4) Lavender Scones Recipe (My wife's lavender scones are absolutely delicious!)

Ingredients:

225g self-raising flour

55g butter (cold, diced)

25g caster sugar

150ml milk

2 tsp dried culinary lavender

A pinch of salt

1 egg (beaten, for glazing)

Method:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or Gas Mark 7.

Prepare the Baking Tray:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, salt, and dried culinary lavender. Mix well.

Add the Butter:

Add the diced butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the Sugar:

Stir in the caster sugar.

Add the Milk:

Make a well in the centre of the mixture and gradually add the milk, mixing with a knife until you have a soft dough. You may not need all the milk.

Knead the Dough:

Lightly flour a surface and gently knead the dough until it is smooth. Do not over-knead.

Shape the Scones:

Roll out the dough to about 2.5cm thick. Using a 5cm round cutter, cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking tray. Re-roll any remaining dough and repeat.

Glaze the Scones:

Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.

Cool:

Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve warm with butter, clotted cream and a dollop of your favourite jam. Enjoy your lavender scones with a cup of tea!

Scone Hints:

Ensure your butter is cold before rubbing it into the flour to achieve the best texture.

Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy.

If you don't have a round cutter, you can shape the scones with your hands.

Enjoy your delightful lavender scones!

Tips for Cooking with Lavender

Pairing Flavours: Lavender pairs well with other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and mint. It also complements citrus fruits, berries, and honey.

Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with lavender in savoury dishes. It can add a unique twist to roasted meats, soups, stews, sauces, and salads.

Moderation: Always use lavender sparingly. Its potent flavour can easily overpower a dish if too much is used.

Conclusion

Cooking with lavender can be a delightful way to add a touch of elegance and a unique flavour to your dishes. By starting with simple recipes and gradually incorporating it into your cooking repertoire, you’ll soon discover the many ways this aromatic herb can enhance your culinary creations. Happy cooking!

Blooms on Your Plate: Exploring the World of Edible Flowers

Flowers have long captivated human senses with their beauty and fragrance. But did you know that beyond their aesthetic appeal, many flowers offer delightful flavours and nutritional benefits? 

Welcome to the enchanting world of edible flowers, where petals and blooms transition from mere adornments to culinary delights. In this blog post, we'll embark on a journey through gardens and kitchens to discover the diverse array of flowers that can tantalise your taste buds. 

My wife and I first found out about edible flowers when we visited the Shropshire Lavender farm. My wife now makes absolutely delicious lavender scones. https://www.thelavenderfarm.co.uk

The Blooming Buffet: A Culinary Adventure

Imagine strolling through a garden where every blossom holds the promise of a unique gastronomic experience. Edible flowers have been a part of various cuisines for centuries, adding a touch of elegance and flavor to dishes. From salads to desserts, and even savory dishes, these blooms offer a spectrum of tastes, ranging from delicate to robust.

Floral Flavours: A Symphony of Tastes

Each edible flower brings its own distinctive flavour profile to the table. Lavender lends a subtle floral note with hints of sweetness, perfect for infusing syrups or baking delicate cakes. The vibrant hues and peppery undertones of nasturtiums make them a popular choice for salads, adding both color and zing to your plate. Meanwhile, the citrusy tang of marigold petals can elevate anything from soups to stir-fries.

Nutritional Petals: Beauty with Benefits

Beyond their aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility, edible flowers also pack a nutritional punch. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these floral delights offer a healthful addition to your diet. For instance, the vitamin C content in rose petals can support immune health, while calendula petals boast anti-inflammatory properties.

A Feast for the Senses: Presentation Matters

Incorporating edible flowers into your culinary creations isn't just about taste; it's also about visual appeal. The vibrant colors and delicate shapes of petals can elevate the presentation of any dish, transforming a simple salad into a work of art or adding an elegant finishing touch to desserts. Whether scattered atop a cake or frozen into ice cubes for a refreshing drink, edible flowers bring a touch of whimsy and sophistication to the dining experience.

Cultivating Culinary Creativity: Growing Your Own Edible Garden

One of the joys of exploring the world of edible flowers is the opportunity to cultivate your own garden. With a little care and attention, you can grow a variety of blooms right in your backyard or even on your windowsill. From classic favorites like roses and violets to more adventurous choices like borage and elderflowers, there's a vast array of flowers waiting to be harvested and enjoyed.

A Word of Caution: Know Your Flowers

While the world of edible flowers is undoubtedly enticing, it's essential to exercise caution and ensure that you're consuming blooms that are safe for culinary use. Not all flowers are edible, and some may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals unsuitable for consumption. Always source your flowers from reputable suppliers or grow them yourself using organic practices.

Conclusion: A Floral Symphony for the Palate

In conclusion, edible flowers offer a delightful fusion of flavour, beauty, and nutrition, inviting us to explore new culinary horizons. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, incorporating blooms into your dishes can add a touch of magic to every meal. So why not embark on your own floral culinary adventure and let your taste buds bloom with delight?

Elevate Your Culinary Creations with Edible Lavender: A Guide to Adding Fragrance and Flavour to Your Dishes

Edible lavender is a versatile and aromatic herb that can transform your culinary creations from ordinary to extraordinary. 

With its delicate floral notes and subtle hints of sweetness, lavender adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, both savoury and sweet.

In this blog post, we'll explore how to use edible lavender to enhance your cooking and baking adventures.

Understanding Edible Lavender:

Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family, known for its vibrant purple flowers and distinctive fragrance.

Not all lavender varieties are edible, so it's essential to use culinary lavender specifically labeled as such to ensure safety and flavor.

Edible lavender is prized for its aromatic qualities, which can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Culinary Uses of Edible Lavender:

Infusions: One of the simplest ways to incorporate lavender into your cooking is by infusing it into liquids such as syrups, sauces, or teas. Simply steep dried lavender buds in hot liquid for a few minutes to release their flavor.

Seasoning: Crushed or ground lavender buds can be used as a seasoning to add a subtle floral flavour to dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even homemade popcorn.

Baking: Lavender pairs beautifully with baked goods, adding a unique floral aroma and flavor. Use it sparingly in recipes for cookies, cakes, scones, or shortbread for a delightful twist.

Beverages: Lavender-infused cocktails, lemonades, or mocktails are refreshing options for incorporating this fragrant herb into your drinks.

Tips for Using Edible Lavender:

Start with a small amount: Lavender has a potent flavor, so it's best to start with a small quantity and adjust to taste.

Use culinary-grade lavender: Ensure that you're using lavender specifically labelled for culinary use to avoid any potential pesticides or contaminants.

Balance flavors: Lavender pairs well with citrus, berries, honey, and other floral ingredients. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find what works best for your palate.

Avoid overuse: While lavender adds a lovely aroma and flavour, too much can overwhelm the dish. Use it judiciously to complement other ingredients rather than overpowering them.

Recipes Featuring Edible Lavender:

Lavender Honey Glazed Salmon: A simple yet elegant dish featuring pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and culinary lavender.

Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies: Butter-rich shortbread cookies infused with fragrant lavender and brightened with lemon zest for a delightful treat.

Lavender Berry Sorbet: A refreshing summer dessert made with ripe mixed berries, lavender-infused syrup, and a splash of lemon juice.

Conclusion:

Edible lavender is a versatile herb that adds a unique floral dimension to a variety of dishes. Whether you're infusing it into liquids, seasoning savory dishes, or incorporating it into baked goods, lavender can elevate your culinary creations with its delicate fragrance and flavour. With a bit of experimentation and creativity, you can discover new and exciting ways to incorporate this aromatic herb into your cooking and baking repertoire.