Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), is a fragrant herb celebrated for its sweet, floral aroma and distinctive purple blooms. While often admired for its ornamental beauty and soothing fragrance, lavender is also a versatile culinary ingredient. Its subtle, herbaceous flavour brings a unique note to both sweet and savoury dishes, making it a favourite in kitchens around the world. Culinary lavender can be used fresh or dried, with the flowers, leaves, and even stems adding complexity to recipes. It pairs especially well with citrus, berries, honey, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Lavender is commonly found in baked goods, desserts, herbal teas, and infused sugars or honeys. It also features in savoury applications, such as marinades, meat rubs, roasted vegetables, and the classic French herb blend herbes de Provence. Due to its potent flavour, it’s best to use lavender sparingly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
