What To Do With Lavender: 20 Fun Recipes + Ideas
- Create a Shower Bundle.
- Carpet Freshener.
- Make Lavender Soap.
- Use Lavender for Gift Wrapping.
- Make Homemade Candles.
- Make Bath Salts.
- Pet Deodorizer.
- Linen Spray.
How do you preserve fresh cut lavender?
Place your fresh lavender in a container or hang upside down to dry. For better color, you should make sure your bunch has dry air circulation and is not in direct light. Humid air promotes mildew. Some of your buds will wilt.
How do you process fresh lavender?
Harvesting and drying lavender is simple – simply snip off the stems just before the flowers open and when you’ve gathered enough for your needs, tie the stems together and hang them up to dry somewhere sheltered.
How do you keep lavender alive in a vase?
Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts or excessive heat. To keep your flowers fresh you’ll want to make sure you change the water every 24 hours and make sure the flowers have enough water, especially when you receive your order.
How do you use fresh lavender leaves?
Lavender Leaves :: Ideas and Recipes
- Vinegar. Steep in vinegar and use in vinaigrettes or as a cleaning product.
- Simple Syrup. Simmer a couple stems in a simple syrup and add to lemonade, iced tea or cocktails.
- Tea.
- Mixed with Fresh Cheese.
- Scented Sugar.
- Cookies.
- Cake.
- Dried Herb Mixture.
When should lavender be picked for drying?
If we are harvesting lavender that is destined to be dried and then sold as then the lavender should be harvested when approximately one quarter to one-half of the buds on the stem have come into flower.
Do you put dry lavender in water?
The big plus is that, unlike fresh flowers, they’re very low-maintenance – you don’t need any water and they’ll last for many months – often years.
How do you dry lavender quickly?
Hanging bunches, and using a drying rack are the two slowest methods. It can take a few days or more for your lavender to dry completely. If you want to dry lavender faster, then use a dehydrator, the oven, or the microwave. It only takes a short time for it to dry using these methods.
Can I cut lavender and put in a vase?
Fresh, cut lavender bunches can be put in a vase of water for 2-3 days. They will last up to 10 days in water, but if you want to dry the bunches, remove from water after 3 days, cut off brown parts of the stem and hang to dry.
Are all lavender flowers edible?
I repeat: Not all lavender should be used in cooking. Though most lavender is technically safe to eat, culinary lavender is typically cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants (commonly known as English or “true” lavender) and has a lot less oil than the aromatic lavender used in perfumes or soaps.
Do you put lavender stems in water?
Step 3: Add the cuttings – Put your lavender stems into the vase of water just like you would with fresh cut flowers.
Does lavender make a good cut flower?
There are some times when you may prefer open flowers, such as for fresh bouquets (although lavender is a short-lasting cut flower) and for making flower water for your home and kitchen. But, in general, buds are best.
What does lavender symbolize?
Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury, too. The color is also associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity.
Can you use fresh lavender instead of dried?
The flower buds, leaves, and stems of lavender can be used fresh or dried in dishes ranging from sweet floral desserts to heartier meat dishes.
How do you use fresh lavender to smell?
Place dry lavender in small bags or scraps of cloth. Then, you can place these sachets around your home, including drawers and closets. If the smell of dry lavender isn’t strong enough, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Sprinkle lavender petals on carpet and furniture.
Can you eat the leaves of lavender?
Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor. Lavender grows throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States. Dried lavender has only a few calories per tablespoon and is free of fat and cholesterol.
How long does dried lavender last?
Most lavender will keep a very strong fragrance for an entire season when dried, but when you store and care for it correctly you can extend that life upwards of 10 years.
What time of day is best to cut lavender?
the morning
The best time of day to harvest lavender is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the sun has drawn out too much of the fragrant essential oils that the lavender plant is so well-known for.
How do you cut and dry lavender?
Method 2 of 2:
Harvest lavender just before the buds open. Cut at the base of the stems to preserve as much stem as possible. Lay the lavender on a block of wood. A cutting board or another large piece of wood is perfect for drying lavender in the sun.
Does dried lavender keep bugs away?
Lavender has a pleasant scent that comes from the essential oils in the leaves of the plant, but the bugs hate it. Hang some dried lavender in your closet and you won’t have to worry about moths eating your clothes.
Can you do anything with lavender stems?
Cut stems short and use them as fire starters for your outdoor fire pit, fireplace, or stove. As stems are full of oil, they are good fire starters. I use them all the time for my fireplace. Cut them very short and use them as part of the lavender potpourri.