Love of Lavender

I recently visited a lavender farm in Los Olivos, California, during the beginning of the blooming season and I was re-energized by the sight and smell of lavender.  I love all the usual things containing lavender: soap, lotion, cremes, etc. I am even a fan of earl grey tea with lavender and lavender infused ice cream.  After vising Clairmont Farms lavender store, I am intrigued now with trying out some recipes with food grade lavender.


Culinary or "food grade" lavender generally has a nice flavor without the perfumy taste or smell of other varieties of lavender.  Lavender is an herb and a member of the mint family and goes well in desserts, beverages, cookies, breads, jellies, spice blends and side dishes.


Some cooks recommend grinding the dried lavender buds in a spice grinder before using to enhance the lavender flavor.  When purchasing culinary lavender, look for lavender buds that have been harvested early in the flowering season and preferably organically certified.

        Happy experimenting! I hope to be able share some new lavender recipes soon!