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Cooking With Lavender
Blossoms - The name "lavender" is Latin from the word
"lavare", and means to wash. The Romans used lavender to scent their bath
as well as medicinally. They also used the dried flowers to scent and flavor jellies as
well as other sweets.
History
and Lore
Lavender is native to the
Mediterranean. One of the major producers of
culinary lavender today is Holland.
Buy and
Store
Dried lavender blossoms (flowers) can be purchased health food stores and
some "gourmet" shops. Do not purchase lavender to be used in cooking from a
craft shop unless the specify that it can be used for food. Culinary
lavender grown for non-food use may contain high levels of toxic pesticides.
To store, keep in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location.
Medicinal
Uses
Once source (Herbs &
Herb Gardening by Jessica Houdret) states that the
flowers can be steeped in water and the infusion used as a compress to
relieve headaches. It is also used externally as an antiseptic.
Culinary
Uses
Lavender has become a popular ingredient for cooking for
both sweet and savory dishes. Desserts such as creme brulee are
scented with lavender and main courses like lamb and enhanced with the
flower. See our recipes section for suggestions.
Recipes
Lavender Scented Pots de Creme
Epicurious - Recipe for Falafel With
Cilantro Yogurt In Pita Bread uses garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
Lavender Scented Creme Brulee
Recipe Goldmine - Sour Cream Scallion
Butter, includes butter, roasted garlic, fresh garlic, chipotle chili powder, sour cream,
cilantro
More
Recipes
From GourmetSleuth that include dried lavender.
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Lavender Sugar
Bruise dried lavender flowers
and add them to superfine or confectioners sugar. Store in an airtight jar until
used. Use a sieve to remove flowers before use. Add the scented sugar to
cakes, meringues or other sweets for a delicate flavor.
Culinary Lavender - 1oz
packed in our signature tin (about 1 cup very packed). $4.25
Substitutes
You can
substitute a few drops
of Parfait Amour (a lavender-flavored liqueur) for dried lavender. Nutrition
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0 |
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0 |
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| Vitamin C (mg) |
12 |
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Vitamin A (i.u.) |
287 |
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Calcium (mg) |
215 |
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Iron (mg) |
2 |
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