There are over 40 species of lavender and the English and French species are the most commonly used to make lavender tea. The flowers and buds of lavender are purple, resulting in a slightly purple-hued drink.
Is French lavender good for tea?
Lavendula stoechas, or French lavender is another common type of lavender but it is not suitable for culinary purposes. Not only does it have a more bitter flavor, but it contains camphor. I don’t know if it has enough camphor in it to get you sick but I don’t recommend using it in your food.
What can I do with French lavender?
French lavender is frequently included in the herb blend herbes de provence, which benefits from the subtle floral flavor. As a rule, lavender can be used similarly to fresh rosemary, in recipes like meat marinades and baked breads. Lavender flowers also make a beautiful garnish for salads, desserts, and more.
Can you use any type of lavender for tea?
Most lavenders (and hybrids) will work fine for tea, but some like the Spanish Lavender (stoechas: the ones with the flowers shaped like pineapples with the bunny ears on top) are too strong for most culinary applications.
How do you harvest French lavender for tea?
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.
Is French lavender edible?
All types of lavender are safe to eat, including French lavender. If you plan to cook with lavender, purchase culinary grade lavender if you aren’t growing it yourself. You can use dry or fresh lavender in cooking, but use moderate amounts so the flavor doesn’t overpower the dish.
What is the difference between lavender and French lavender?
English lavender is typically the most appealing variety when it comes to scent and is similar to rosemary. French lavender has a stronger fragrance with more pine notes, making it a popular choice for cleaning and home products. No smell is “better” than the other, it is largely based on individual preference.
Should I deadhead French lavender?
Dead-head French lavenders throughout the summer as they’ll flower continuously from May to September. Deadheading will also encourage more flowering through the season.
Which lavender is edible?
The best lavender to use for cooking is lavender from the species: Lavandula Angustifolia. Any cultivar within this species will taste best for cooking. Some cultivars in this species that are favorites for cooking include Royal Velvet, Folgate, and Melissa.
Should you cut back French lavender?
For best results, grow Lavandula stoechas in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished, and then trim back plants in April, if necessary.
Is lavender tea safe to drink?
Lavender tea is generally safe for most adults if consumed in moderation. However, if you drink too much of it, you may experience headaches, constipation, and an increased appetite (4).
What part of lavender do you use for tea?
buds
The most common way lavender is consumed is by brewing a tea from its buds. Brewing lavender buds into a tea helps release the oils and scents.
Can you use fresh lavender leaves for tea?
Can you drink fresh lavender leaves? Yes! While you can drink cold or hot lavender tea, if you let lavender steep for too long it can add a soapy taste to your tea. Lavender leaves however are often added to lemonade for a delicious treat!
Does lavender regrow after harvest?
Harvesting lavender flowers in the early spring will give the plant ample time to produce another flush of blooms to enjoy again in the late summer to fall.
Can you dry French lavender?
As for how to dry lavender, it’s easy! Of the different types of lavender, go for the English or French varieties, since they contain plenty of oils. You can dry either the flowers, or the leaves and sprigs. Make sure you cut the lavender buds from the plant before the flowers open.
What can I do 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.
Is any lavender poisonous?
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
Is any lavender not edible?
Lavandins (L. x. intermedia) is edible, as is all lavender, but its flavor can be resinous and pungent. A Lavandin type will make a dish taste bitter.
How do I cook French lavender?
“Lavender pairs really well with rich and fatty foods because it cuts through and lifts the overall flavor,” Cheney says. Popularly used in herbes de Provence alongside herbs like marjoram, rosemary, savory, and oregano, lavender is often paired with chicken, turkey, lamb, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
Which has the stronger scent English or French lavender?
English Lavenders have a stronger and sweeter aroma (especially the varieties Hidcote and Munstead). French lavender aroma tends to not be as strong as English lavenders, although it still exudes a nice, more subtle fragrance. English lavender can live up to 15 years with the right care.
Does French lavender come back every year?
French lavenders are perennial plants that live for several years. The reason some people mistake French lavenders for annuals is that they grow them in a climate that is too cold for French lavender to survive winter and then have to replace the plant every year.