Most of us know lavender best for its relaxing scent in sachets and soaps, but did you know this garden favorite is actually a rockstar in the kitchen, too? In places like Provence, France, it’s a staple ingredient in all sorts of recipes. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring that floral magic into your cooking, here’s the scoop on how to use lavender like a pro.
How to Cook with Lavender
Lavender is incredibly versatile—it works just as well in savory roasts as it does in delicate desserts. However, a quick pro-tip: you really want to stick with “English Lavender” (Lavandula angustifolia) for cooking. Other varieties can be a bit hit-or-miss.
For example, Spike Lavender can sometimes leave your food tasting a bit like soap, while other varieties are just way too overpowering. English Lavender has that perfect, sweet-floral balance. Just remember that a little goes a long way! A good rule of thumb is to use lavender in dishes where you’d normally reach for thyme.
Lavender pairs beautifully with these savory dishes:
- Slow-cooked stews
- Roasted lamb
- Grilled or baked fish
Sweet Treats and Dairy Delights
If you have some dried English Lavender buds on hand, you can make something really special: Lavender Sugar. It’s super easy! Just grab an airtight container and layer sugar and lavender blossoms. Start with a layer of sugar, sprinkle some buds on top, and repeat until the container is full. Seal it up and let the magic happen.
The result is a fragrant lavender sugar that lasts a long time and adds a gourmet touch to tons of recipes. Use it to level up your rice pudding, whisk it into a Crème Brûlée, or even make your own homemade lavender ice cream.
A cute jar of lavender sugar also makes a fantastic DIY gift! If you’ve got lavender growing in your backyard, you’re halfway there. Just harvest the blooms at the right time and let them dry. As long as your plants are in the right spot with plenty of sun, you’ll have more than enough blossoms to keep your pantry (and your friends’ pantries) well-stocked.
