Cooking with Lavender: Your New Secret Ingredient

Let’s talk about culinary lavender—because here at Wine Country Lavender, we’re not just about pretty fields and good vibes. We’re also all about bringing lavender into your kitchen! That’s right—this fragrant purple powerhouse isn’t just for soaps and sachets; it can take your cooking to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just like to dabble (and try to impress your friends!), culinary lavender is the secret weapon your pantry’s been missing.

So, What Exactly Is Culinary Lavender?

Not all lavender is created equal. When it comes to cooking, you need the right variety (trust us, you don’t want to use just any lavender - things could get intense). Culinary lavender, like the Lavandula angustifolia we grow on our farm, has a sweeter, more delicate flavour, perfect for adding a floral twist to your dishes without overwhelming them. Here at Wine Country Lavender, we hand-harvest these culinary buds, so you’re getting the real deal - grown right here in the Hunter Valley, with all the care and attention that makes it taste just a little bit better.

Ways to Cook with Lavender That May Surprise You

• In your baking: Imagine your classic shortbread or scones with a pop of floral flavour. Add just a teaspoon of dried lavender buds and boom - you’ve just upgraded your baking from "nice" to "next-level gourmet."

• Drinks & infusions: We all love a good cup of tea, right? Steep some lavender in hot water for a calming, floral twist... and try them in our Blended Brews Herbal Teas (currently blended into four gorgeous flavours). Or, if you’re feeling fancy, infuse it into honey, syrups, or even cocktails.

• Savoury surprises: Lavender isn’t just for sweet things. Toss a pinch into your marinade, or mix it into an herb rub for meats and veggies. Pro tip: Lavender with roast lamb? Chef’s kiss.

• Desserts, of course: From homemade ice-cream to lavender-lemon cakes, there’s really no limit to what this herb can do when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth.

  
  

  

  Wine Country Lavender Vanilla & Lavender Cookies

  
  

Pro Tips to Make You Look Like a Lavender Pro

• Less is More: Lavender is strong stuff, so start small... otherwise it'll be like having a taste of grandma's perfume ;-) A little sprinkle goes a long way. I have tried some simple vanilla cookies, with an added teaspoon of chopped lavender buds, and they were pretty yummy. I wanted to be able to taste the floral flavour and added a full teaspoon as this was a large batch; if you are working with a small batch, start with half a teaspoon of dried buds.

• Pairing’s the Game: Lavender loves hanging out with other herbs like rosemary and thyme, or it’ll cozy up nicely with citrus flavours like lemon. And in desserts? Lavender + honey or vanilla = your new favorite combo.

  
  

Our Culinary Lavender Jars - Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend

Ready to give it a go? Check out our Culinary Lavender Jars: Tasty Times. Each jar is filled with dried lavender buds, harvested right from our farm and packed with flavour (and a little bit of Hunter Valley sunshine). Whether you’re experimenting with a lavender shortbread recipe or throwing together a last-minute cocktail, these buds are ready to turn your kitchen into your favorite new hangout.

Tasty Times - Culinary lavender buds grown and dried at Wine Country Lavender

And the best part? You’ll be supporting sustainable, local farming while you whip up your latest culinary masterpiece. Win-win, right?

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Ready to get adventurous in the kitchen? Culinary lavender is the perfect way to add something unique to your cooking. Pick up one of our jars, dive in, and let us know what you come up with—we love hearing about your lavender-infused creations! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, contact us via the Contact Us form, or email winecountrylavender@yahoo.com.

Happy cooking!

Karen 🌿