How to Dry Lavender:
Cut flowers in morning – after dew evaporates yet before heat of day
(Rubber) band together in bunches of about a dozen or so stems
Hang upside down in a warm dimly lit space with adequate ventilation
Dry for one to weeks – until stalks are completely dried
Once dried – dislodge the buds by rolling them back/forth in a towel or newspaper
Store buds in an air tight container
Use your Hidcote and Munstead lavender plant blooms in late spring and summer dishes. Fresh blooms should be submerged into water for a minute to release any dirt or insects hanging on. Dry the fresh lavender by wrapping them in a towel and lightly squeezing them. Lavender mixes beautifully with herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano.
Use fresh or dried lavender in the following dishes:
Chicken (especially roasted chicken – my favorite!)
Tuna or other strong flavored fish
Salads (fresh lavender preferably)
Stews
Custards
Sorbets
Chocolate
Jelly
Sweets – cookies and cakes
Heavy sauces (usually made with alcohol reductions/heavy creams)
Breads
Lavender honey - heat clean fresh blooms (no chemicals used) in regular or other flavored honey on low until lightly simmering. Strain flowers or leave in honey. Cool and enjoy.
Plant your own lavender plants for culinary and crafts.
