In contrast to the true lavender that grows in the mountains, the lavender with its characteristic, distinctive flowers comes from the coastal regions of Spain, where it grows primarily in Madeira and Tenerife. It contains significantly more essential oils than other types of lavender and is particularly suitable for use as a medicinal plant, but also as a spice in the kitchen.
Is lavender edible and how do you use it in the kitchen?
The lavender is edible and can be used in the kitchen as a spice. Its flowers are suitable for decorating dishes, while the young leaf tips, like rosemary, are suitable for seasoning fish and lamb dishes.
Lavender as a medicinal plant
Lavender oil is used primarily in aromatherapy, but also for massages. The sought-after oil - its rather bitter scent is strongly reminiscent of camphor - is obtained by steam distillation, although it is not a conventional greasy oil. Essential oils are characterized by the fact that they are water-soluble and therefore evaporate without leaving any residue in fragrance lamps.
Make your own massage oil
To make your own massage oil, add a few drops of lavender oil to regular jojoba oil. However, be careful with the dosage, it should only be a few drops! When massaged in well, this oil helps with tension and circulatory problems.
Dried flowers as tea infusion
The dried lavender flowers are ideal for making lavender flower tea, which can have a relaxing and antispasmodic effect. It's best to drink a cup of it shortly before going to bed, as lavender has a sleep-inducing effect.
Cop lavender in the kitchen
While the flowers can be used to decorate various dishes, the tips of the young leaves can be used as a spice, similar to rosemary. The slightly tart aroma harmonizes particularly well with fish and lamb dishes, especially when they are braised. However, when dosing, make sure to use the fresh leaves very sparingly, as the high saponin content quickly leaves a strong soapy aftertaste. It is best to combine the leaves with other Mediterranean spices such as: E.g. thyme, sage or rosemary.
Tips & Tricks
The intense scent of lavender repels annoying insects, such as mosquitoes. To do this, evaporate a few drops of the essential oil in a fragrance lamp or sew the dried flowers into a scented bag. Alternatively, you can first braid the freshly harvested flowers and their stems and then dry them - this is a nice decoration for the living area too.
