English Lavender Recipes, Ideas & Tips
Are you as enamored with English lavender as I am? Discover the versatility of this fragrant herb in recipes and beyond. Plus, receive my top tips on cultivating and preserving lavender. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how July flew by. If you’re feeling the same way, August’s sweltering heat and subsequent storms can be overwhelming. Fortunately, I managed to harvest a bounty of English lavender before the hail hit our neighborhood.
Many of my plants were damaged, but I’m relieved that lavender is remarkably resilient – I’m confident they’ll bounce back come next year. Each summer, my lavender garden seems to grow more lush, filling our yard with an intoxicating aroma. This natural mosquito repellent is a welcome bonus. If you follow along on Instagram stories, you may have spotted some of the sprigs I was preparing to dry.
With such an abundance of plants, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of dried lavender – so, I continually seek out new project ideas to keep my creative juices flowing. What’s next? I’m excited to craft a lavender heating bag inspired by Chloe’s clever design on Boxwood Avenue. I’ll also sew a washable cover for it. But what else can you make with lavender? Over the years, I’ve compiled an impressive collection of recipes and project ideas.
So, I thought, why not compile them all in one post to simplify things for everyone?
Lavender Growing and Drying Tips
As a precursor to delving into the world of lavender products, I’d like to take a moment to share some valuable insights on cultivating and preserving this fragrant herb. Through my own experiences, I’ve gathered a few key takeaways that are worth sharing.
My Lavender Plants
Lavendula Angustifolia Munstead, a perennial lavender variety, boasts compact bushes with grey-green leaves and stems that produce fragrant, deep blue-purple flowers around mid-summer. This hardy variety thrives in open-textured soil with added humus, particularly when situated in dry, sunny locations receiving direct sunlight from the south or west. Well-draining conditions are also essential for optimal growth.
Newly planted English lavender requires consistent watering until established.
Once mature, it can tolerate drier conditions. To encourage new growth, I prune my plants back by about a third in early spring.
When using your lavender for culinary or body products purposes, be sure to select an organic cultivar. Additionally, opt for organic fertilizers and compost additions, such as adding an inch of compost in the spring, to maintain the health and integrity of your plants.
How to Harvest
When harvesting your rose stems in the morning, after the dew has had time to evaporate, it’s essential to wait until the buds are either still tightly closed or just beginning to unfurl. To ensure the plant continues to thrive, be sure to leave at least two sets of leaves intact, as this will encourage further flower stalks to form. If your rose is well-established, you can take a slightly more liberal approach when it comes to pruning.
Prior to bringing any stems indoors, take a moment to gently shake off any unwanted pests that may have taken up residence on the plant.
How to Dry
To begin the process, collect approximately 12 lavender stalks and tie them together at the base using a piece of string or an elastic band. Suspend the bundle upside down in a location that offers warm temperatures, low humidity, and adequate ventilation. A period of several weeks is typically sufficient to allow the moisture to evaporate from the flowers.
How to Store Dried Lavender
To preserve the delicate flavor and aroma, it’s essential to store the flower buds in an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to maintain their potency and freshness for as long as possible. Additionally, removing the flower buds from the stems can also contribute to their overall longevity, ensuring you can enjoy them at their best.
English Lavender Recipes
Get ready to unleash the soothing essence of dried lavender! Building upon our earlier exploration, I’m excited to share a treasure trove of creative ways to incorporate this fragrant herb into your daily life. From sweet treats to relaxing rituals, each idea on this list is designed to help you harness the calming and luxurious benefits of lavender.
Lavender & Blackberry Sparkling Lemonade
Indulge in the quintessential summer treat: lavender sparkling lemonade. This revitalizing drink is sure to quench your thirst and transport you to a state of serenity, thanks to its subtle lavender notes. With a touch of sweetness from honey, this refreshing beverage can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a splash of your favorite spirit.
Lavender Infused Sugar
Elevate your culinary creations with the delicate charm of lavender infused sugar! This versatile sweetener effortlessly complements the flavors of iced tea, fruit, cocktails, and desserts. With a mere few minutes required for preparation using either fresh or dried lavender, you’ll have a flavorful addition to your repertoire in just a few days.
Lavender London Fog Latte
This heavenly lavender tea latte not only boasts a stunning appearance but also tantalizes the taste buds with its rich, velvety texture and subtle citrus, bergamot, and floral notes. For me, it’s the perfect indulgence to savor during a relaxing afternoon moment.
Lavender Sugar Scrub
Indulge in luxurious, velvety smooth skin with a homemade lavender sugar scrub that doubles as a thoughtful gift for any special celebration. With its heavenly aroma and effortless preparation, this natural wonder is my top pick to keep by the sink.
Other Ways to Use Dried Lavender
Indulge in a world of serene delights with our carefully curated collection of lavender goodies. From sweet treats like baked goods and infused honey, to calming candles and soothing soap sets, each item is designed to transport you to a state of peaceful tranquility. To explore the entire range of lavender projects, simply click the link provided. Don’t forget to pin your favorites for future inspiration! Which project has caught your eye?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out if you have any questions about our English lavender or other related topics. For more delectable recipes and creative ideas like these delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe.
