While many types of lavender exist, not all are edible lavender or suitable for cooking.

Lavender, with its delicate aroma and vibrant hues, is not just a treat stress relief or decoration but also a delightful addition to culinary creations. While many types of lavender exist including English Lavender, French Lavender, or Spanish Lavender, not all are suitable for consumption. In this guide, we'll explore the varieties perfect for cooking, delve into baking options to tantalize your taste buds, and even discover some fun treats for the kids. Let’s explore types of edible lavender together.

Types of Lavender: Edible vs. Inedible

Before incorporating lavender into your cooking, it's crucial to distinguish between edible lavender and non-edible lavender. Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to flavor and safety. For type of lavender, please read the blog post for Lavender Type here

Edible Lavender Varieties:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This variety is renowned for its sweet, floral flavor, making it ideal for culinary use.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): With a slightly more pungent taste, French lavender adds a unique twist to dishes.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): While less commonly used, Spanish lavender can still be employed in cooking, particularly for its aromatic qualities.

Non-Edible Lavender Varieties:

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): Although closely related to true lavender, lavandin tends to have a more camphorous flavor and is not recommended for consumption.
Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Primarily valued for its high essential oil content, spike lavender is not suitable for culinary purposes due to its strong, medicinal taste.

Delightful Culinary Creations: Baking with Lavender

Now that we've selected our culinary lavender, let's explore the myriad of baking options waiting to grace our tables:

Lavender-infused Shortbread Cookies: Elevate the classic shortbread cookie with a hint of culinary lavender, enchanting your taste buds with each buttery bite.
Lavender Lemon Drizzle Cake: Indulge in the zesty allure of lemon combined with the floral essence of lavender, creating a cake that's both refreshing and indulgent.
Honey Lavender Cupcakes: Sweetened with honey and infused with delicate lavender undertones, these cupcakes offer a harmonious blend of flavors that delight the senses.
Lavender Berry Crisp: Experience the perfect marriage of tart berries and fragrant lavender in this delectable dessert, topped with a crunchy oat crumble.

Edible Lavender - lavender infused beverage

Lavender-infused Beverages: Sipping in Style

Lavender Tea: Brew a soothing cup of lavender tea. Recipe can be found in the blog post here
Lavender Lemonade: Refresh your senses with a tall glass of lavender lemonade, Recipe can be found in the blog post here

Fun Treats for Little Chefs

Engage your budding chefs with these playful lavender-infused treats:

Lavender Rice Krispie Treats: Add a twist to this classic childhood favorite by mixing in fragrant lavender buds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Lavender Milkshakes: Blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, and a hint of lavender syrup for a creamy, dreamy treat that kids of all ages will love.
Lavender Honey Butter: Whip up a batch of creamy honey butter infused with lavender, perfect for spreading on warm toast or freshly baked biscuits.
Lavender-infused Marshmallows: Elevate your marshmallow game by incorporating dried lavender petals into the mix for a floral twist on this classic treat.

Little chefs can explore edible lavender for cooking experience

Embark on your culinary adventure with edible lavender flowers, and let your imagination run wild in the kitchen. From savory dishes to sweet delights and refreshing beverages, there's no limit to the magic you can create with this versatile herb. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your creativity, and prepare to delight your taste buds with the enchanting flavors of culinary lavender.

Edible Lavender Types and Recipes