Lavender is not only popular as a medicinal plant, but also as a culinary herb. But be careful: Not all lavender varieties are suitable for cooking and eating! We explain what needs to be considered when consuming and processing this crop.
consumption of lavender
Lavender is one of the non-toxic plants, which is why you might think that it is safe to consume. However, this is not the case, because not all lavender is edible. Not all lavender varieties are suitable for consumption. While some varieties captivate with their intense aroma and refine dishes, others provide an almost soap-like taste. That being said, using certain strains can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Which lavender varieties are edible?
It comes most often True lavender used in the kitchen, which can be easily recognized by its narrow leaves. It smells sweet and tastes like rosemary. The situation is different with French lavender and spike lavender: French lavender usually tastes too strong because it contains far more essential oils. Spicy lavender, on the other hand, gives dishes a soapy note.
Of course, in addition to the variety, certain ones also play a role quality features an essential role - regardless of whether the lavender is purchased in the garden center or grown in the home garden:
- pesticide free
- organic farming
- Plant should be healthy and undamaged
- as many side shoots as possible
- fresh smell
tip: The popular useful plant also grows in the wild, but the Lavandin variety is more common in local regions. However, this is a hybrid form of spike lavender and real lavender. However, lavandin is not of such high quality and is usually only suitable for cooking to a limited extent.
side effects
Generally, lavender is said to be well tolerated, after all it has also made a name for itself as a medicinal plant. Among other things, it should provide a remedy for nervousness and restlessness. It is also said to be able to alleviate the symptoms of sunburn, rheumatism and colds. However, excessive consumption can irritate the stomach and intestinal mucosa. If spike lavender and French lavender are used as essential oils, caution is also required because these can have the following effects, among other things:
- convulsive
- liver damaging
- neurotoxic
- aborting
notice: Nursing and pregnant women, as well as babies, children and the elderly and sensitive people should only use spike lavender under medical supervision.
what is edible
Almost all parts of the Lavandula plant can be used and/or further processed in some form. The mildest and sweetest taste, however, have the blossoms, which are also ideal as a decoration for salads and any dishes. In addition to the flowers, the shoots and leaves are also edible. However, here are some things to keep in mind when eating lavender leaves:
- Lavender leaves taste more resinous and bitter than flowers
- young leaves are best
- the older the leaves, the soapier the taste
use in the kitchen
Lavender is often found in the herbal mixture "Herbs of Provence", after all, the useful plant has already become firmly established in Italian and French cuisine. Because the herb is a special intense aroma However, it should only be used very sparingly to refine dishes. The aromatic plant lends a special touch to the following dishes, among others:
- stews
- stews
- Ratatouille
- lamb and venison
- fish dishes
- Dishes with goat or sheep cheese
tip: The herb can also add that extra something to desserts by scenting them with lavender sugar or lavender honey. Accordingly, the useful plant is also suitable for baking biscuits and the like.
Lavender oil, lavender tea and Co
Lavandula can be eaten fresh or dried, but it can also be processed further. Among other things, aromatic oils can be produced from the parts of the lavender plant, which, depending on the variety, are also suitable for cooking. However, when buying lavender oil, make sure that it is 100% pure lavender oil. The processed plant parts should also be listed.
The crop can also be processed into salt, vinegar or sugar. Another alternative is lavender tea, which is said to have a calming and relaxing effect. The hot drink is also quick and easy to prepare:
- Prepare 2 teaspoons of lavender flowers and 250 ml of water
- strain after about 10 minutes
- Sweeten the tea as you like
tip: As an alternative to conventional sugar, stevia or birch sugar can also be used!
durability and storage
Freshly harvested lavender can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. If you want to enjoy the Lavandula for longer, you can also freeze or dry it. The latter option is particularly popular because the medicinal plant lasts around six months thanks to the drying process. If you want to dry the Lavandula, the best way to do it is as follows:
- cut individual stems
- Tie the stems together into a bouquet
- hang upside down
- in a dry, dark place
- then store in a sealed, airtight jar
notice: The lavender stalks are not washed before drying because the humidity would encourage mold.