As September unfolds, lavender returns to full bloom, showcasing its mesmerizing splendor once again. This timeless plant is not only a visual delight gracing gardens and landscapes but also offers culinary possibilities that go beyond its ornamental appeal.
Certain species of lavender are not only pleasing to the eye but are also safe to consume, bringing a distinctive aroma and flavor to a variety of dishes, decadent desserts, or soothing teas. However, caution is necessary, as not every type of lavender is fit for ingestion. In this article, we will guide you through the varieties that are particularly well-suited for use in September-inspired recipes and provide tips on how to incorporate them effectively into your culinary creations.
Which lavender is edible?
When it comes to using lavender in foods and drinks, true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, also Lavandula officinalis) is usually used. However, this also has subspecies, such as Lavandula angustifolia angustifolia and Lavandula angustifolia pyrenaica, both of which are edible. Crested lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also called Arabian lavender, and spit lavender (Lavandula latifolia, also called broad-leaved lavender) canalso be used in very small quantities in cooking. However, only very experienced cooks should use them because they contain ingredients such as camphor, which can have negative effects in large quantities. Skewered lavender also has a slightly soapy flavor that transfers to food. Crested lavender contains more essential oils than other types of lavender, giving it an intense flavor that can dominate dishes if not used very sparingly.
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This wild grass is hard to beat and grows everywhere in April, no one knowsNowadays, in the lavender fields of Provence, mainly hybrid species are found, a cross between true lavender and spit lavender. This hybrid species is known as Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia). Lavender is considered a high-value plant used primarily to produce lavender oil and perfume.
Autumn begins now
With ours Starter set for autumn (available here) you have an ideal basis for identifying, collecting and using the wild herbs and medicinal plants (not only) of autumn. In addition to our seasonal wild herb calendar, which can be used every year, it also contains our books”With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round» AND «Preserving wild her
Use real lavender in cooking
To be on the safe side, we recommend using real lavender in the kitchen. Here you can use whole, dried or fresh flowers, leaves or branches. It is best to use young leaves or fresh shoots, as even older leaves can develop a soap-like flavor. In general, the leaves taste a little more sour and bitter than the sweet flowers. The intense spicy flavor of lavender may also remind some people of the flavor of lavender Rosemary Remember. Real lavender can be added to spice blends, casseroles, soups, salads, roasts and stews. Homemade lavender salt, lavender oil or even vinegar can also be used in many dishes Salad revive.
Lavender in September: Creative uses in desserts and drinks
Lavender flowers are ideal as a and tasty addition to sweet desserts. You can mix flowers and leaves into cakes, puddings or ice creams to give them a special touch. Especially in summer, lavender can be used to prepare refreshing lemonades with water, lemon and ginger. Since the leaves have a very strong and aromatic taste, you should use them sparingly.
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New energy from your kitchen | Microgreens in autumn: small plants, big nutrientsSoothing lavender tea for greater relaxation
Real lavender is ideal for making a relaxing tea, especially the flowers are used. Lavender tea can help with restlessness, nervousness and difficulty falling asleep, thanks to the ingredients linalool and linalyl acetate. In addition, lavender is said to have a slightly cholagogue, antibacterial and antifungal effect, which is why lavender tea not only has a calming effect, but can also be used for various ailments. Lavender can also be found in our Lebenskraftpur sleeping tea, which we developed together. You can order our tea here. If you’re done this link If you order, we receive a small commission which supports our work and our blog.
Safe dosage and instructions for use
Lavender is carefully dosed in our tea so that it is not too dominant. However, excessive consumption of lavender, especially lavender and lavender, is not recommended as it can irritate the stomach lining at higher doses. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, young children, the elderly, and sensitive people should use caution when using these types of lavender and consult a doctor or therapist.
More ways to use lavender in September
Lavender is not only versatile in cooking and for teas, but is also a real all-rounder in everyday life. Even non-edible types of lavender can be used here, such as woolly lavender (silver-leaf lavender),
Store wild herbs and medicinal plants in late summer
In our book “Preserving wild herbs“(available here), we reveal the most suitable methods and recipes to best preserve wild herbs. This book aims to encourage not only the collection but also the processing of wild herbs. Many herbs can be dried, marinated, frozen or even fermented. Not all wild and culinary herbs are equally suitable for every preservation process. In the book we explain which processes are optimal for each plant and how to best preserve its nutrients.
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Edible wild herbs in January: that you can harvest and use nowDry lavender properly in September
In dried form, lavender is a real all-rounder. It’s important not to wash your lavender before drying it, as any remaining moisture can encourage mold growth. Tie the freshly picked lavender in a bouquet and hang it upside down in a dark place until it is completely dry. You can hang dried lavender in a room to spread a pleasant scent, or use the dried parts of the plant to make a scented pillow. These scented pillows are also popular with young children because they have a calming effect and help them fall asleep. Relaxing lavender baths with strong lavender tea, plant parts or lavender oil can also calm your nerves and help you relax.
Use against moths
Fresh or dried lavender can also be used against moths and mosquitoes, as these insects do not like the smell of lavender. A bag of lavender in the closet can keep moths away. If you don’t have fresh lavender, you can buy it dried, fill it into bags yourself, use it as incense or as decoration. Non-edible varieties of lavender are often cheaper.
Harvesting Lavender: This is something you should keep in mind
One of the most natural ways to use lavender is to simply leave it in the garden. Unharvested lavender provides precious nectar to numerous insects such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies. This is especially important in summer months like July, as it allows us to contribute to the conservation of endangered insect species. Many of our beloved insects are at risk of extinction, and lavender can provide them with an important food source. We can also enjoy the cultivation of lavender, which impresses not only with its attractive appearance but also with its pleasant scent. This way we can enjoy the beauty and benefits of lavender in our garden while supporting biodiversity.
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