If you think lavender is just for sachets or spa days, you're in for a surprise! Step into the kitchen with me—let's discover how this gorgeous purple bloom can spark pure magic in everything from your morning ritual to your evening indulgence.
Bees love pollinating lavender!
What is Culinary Lavender?
Culinary lavender refers to food-grade lavender buds specifically grown and processed for cooking and baking. Unlike ornamental varieties used in sachets or aromatherapy, culinary lavender contains no pesticides or chemicals, making it completely safe for consumption.
The most popular variety for cooking is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and subtle floral notes. When used properly, culinary lavender adds sophisticated depth to both sweet and savory dishes without overwhelming other flavors.
Ready for something absolutely unexpected?
Here are lavender recipes that shatter the mold, offering sweet comforts and savory surprises for your next gathering, slow weekend, or quiet afternoon sanctuary at home.
Lavender Latte
Picture your first sip of the day—only softer, dreamier. A lavender latte isn't just a trendy spring drink; it's that warm embrace for mornings when you crave a little extra serenity. Stir up some lavender syrup with your espresso or matcha and steamed milk, and let your day begin with pure lightness floating through you.
How to Make Lavender Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender for 5 minutes. Strain, cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your espresso or matcha with steamed milk for a café-quality drink at home.
Flavor Variations: Pair lavender syrup with vanilla extract for added depth, or try it with Spring Honey for natural sweetness that complements the floral notes beautifully.
Lavender Marshmallows
Forget those store-bought puffs! Homemade lavender marshmallows are pillowy treasures that awaken your inner child while delivering floral sophistication. Drop one into your cocoa and watch it melt into clouds of sweetness, or toast it by a campfire—the gentle flavor is a sweet little secret you'll want to hoard (or maybe not).
Try them for yourself: Lavender Marshmallows.
Lavender Lemonade
Summer captured in crystal! Lavender lemonade sparkles with refreshing magic and often glows with the most delicate purple blush. It delivers all the bright zing of classic lemonade with an extra kiss of calm—perfect for porch sipping, picnics, and absolutely dazzling your guests with something enchantingly different.
The Recipe: Prepare a simple syrup by simmering 1 cup water, 1 cup honey, and 3 tablespoons dried lavender for 10 minutes. Strain thoroughly, then combine with 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 4 cups cold water. Serve over ice with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon wheels for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Lavender Honey Ice Cream
Here's the scoop: homemade ice cream doesn't get more utterly charming than this! Sweet honey and gentle lavender dance together to create a treat that's silky, floral, and just the right kind of unexpected. One taste transports you to sun-dappled gardens where busy bees work their sweet magic.
Making Lavender Ice Cream: Steep 2-3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in warm cream for 30 minutes before straining. This infusion method extracts lavender's flavor without leaving bits in your finished ice cream. Combine the infused cream with egg yolks, honey, and a pinch of salt for a custard-based ice cream with unmatched richness.
Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh berries, drizzle with additional honey, or serve alongside warm fruit cobbler. The floral notes pair exceptionally well with stone fruits like peaches and plums.
Lavender Scones
Brunch transforms with lavender scones! Whip up a batch for Saturday morning bliss, and watch everyone marvel at the gentle, herby notes tucked into every tender bite. Pair with burst-in-your-mouth blueberries or a bright hint of lemon, and you've crafted comfort that's absolutely perfect with tea or coffee.
Key Technique: Grind dried lavender with sugar before incorporating into your scone dough. This releases lavender's essential oils while ensuring even distribution throughout the pastry. The result? Perfectly balanced flavor in every bite without overwhelming the delicate pastry.
Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest for brightness, fold in fresh blueberries for burst-in-your-mouth sweetness, or drizzle with lavender-honey glaze for extra indulgence. Each variation showcases lavender's versatility in baked goods.
Enjoy Baking Tea Inspired Recipes With Honey
Discover the beautiful marriage of tea and honey in baked goods! Our tea collection features unique blends perfect for infusing into your favorite recipes. Try pairing Raven Tea with our Eastern Shore honey for desserts that showcase the sophisticated interplay between tea's complexity and honey's natural sweetness.
Chocolate Earl Grey and Lavender Tea Tart
This one's for dessert lovers who crave their sweets with sophistication! Decadent chocolate, fragrant Earl Grey, and just a whisper of lavender swirl together in a tart that's as stunning to behold as it is to savor. This is dessert you'll want to linger over, maybe with your favorite book and a cup of something warm.
The Magic of Tea in Desserts: Infusing cream with both Earl Grey and lavender creates layers of complexity. The bergamot in Earl Grey provides citrus brightness that balances chocolate's richness, while lavender adds aromatic depth without sweetness.
Serving Tip: This elegant tart pairs beautifully with a cup of Raven Tea sweetened with honey for a complete afternoon tea experience.
Grilled Lavender Lamb or Chicken
Lavender isn't just for sweets! Sprinkle some into a marinade—along with aromatic rosemary, fresh thyme, and bright lemon—and watch it completely transform lamb or chicken on the grill. The result? Savory, earthy, and bursting with layered flavors that'll have everyone begging for seconds.
Lavender Marinade: Combine finely ground culinary lavender with fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and a drizzle of honey. This marinade works beautifully with both lamb and chicken, creating savory, earthy flavors with complex aromatic notes.
Grilling Tips: Marinate proteins for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before grilling. The lavender's essential oils penetrate the meat, creating tender, flavorful results with subtle floral undertones that surprise and delight dinner guests.
Lemon Lavender Cake
Lemon and lavender are like the most perfect old friends—they just belong together! This cake brings pure sunshine and floral notes to your table, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for spring or any special moment that calls for celebration (or just because you deserve something beautiful).
Give it a try: Lemon Lavender Cake.
Black and Blueberry Jam
Looking for a gorgeous new way to elevate your toast? Blackberries, blueberries, and a hint of lavender join forces in this jewel-toned jam. It's bright, sweet, and just the right amount of unexpected magic. Spread it on warm bread, serve it with creamy cheese, or swirl it into yogurt for a burst of summer any time of year.
Find the recipe here: Black and Blue Jam.
Tips for Cooking with Lavender
A few essential secrets to get the most from your blooms:
- Use Culinary-Grade Lavender: Make absolutely sure it's meant for eating—not just for scenting!
- Start Small: Lavender is wonderfully potent! A pinch often goes a deliciously long way.
- Pair Thoughtfully: Lavender absolutely shines alongside honey, bright lemon, juicy berries, fragrant rosemary, and even rich chocolate. These magical combinations help highlight that earthy-sweet flavor.
So, stir and bake and taste as you go! With just a little lavender, everyday recipes can bloom into something absolutely extraordinary. Try one—or all—of these treasures, and share the delicious results with friends, family, or anyone craving fresh inspiration in the kitchen.
FAQs About Cooking with Lavender
Is all lavender edible?
No. Only culinary-grade lavender specifically grown and processed for consumption is safe to eat. Ornamental lavender may contain pesticides or chemicals unsuitable for cooking. Always purchase lavender labeled "culinary grade" or "food grade" from reputable sources.
How much lavender should I use in recipes?
Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender per recipe serving 4-6 people. Lavender's potent flavor means less is more. You can always add more, but you can't remove it if you've used too much. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
Can I substitute fresh lavender for dried lavender?
Yes, but use three times as much fresh lavender as dried. Fresh lavender has a milder flavor since it contains more moisture. For baking, dried lavender works better because it provides more consistent flavor and doesn't add extra liquid to recipes.
What does culinary lavender taste like?
Culinary lavender offers delicate floral notes with hints of mint, rosemary, and citrus. When used correctly, it adds sophisticated aromatic depth without tasting soapy or perfume-like. The flavor pairs beautifully with sweet and savory dishes alike.
Where can I buy culinary lavender?
Purchase culinary-grade lavender from specialty spice shops, health food stores, farmers markets, or online retailers. Look for English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) labeled specifically for culinary use. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve flavor.
Does lavender pair well with honey?
Absolutely! Lavender and honey are natural partners. Both offer floral notes that complement rather than compete, creating harmonious flavor combinations in everything from baked goods to beverages. Try our Spring Honey, which naturally contains lavender pollen from our farm's lavender fields.
Start with the Right Honey for Lavender Recipes
"This is undoubtedly the best honey I've ever had! The flavor is rich and pure – high-quality!"
Our Spring Honey brings delicate floral notes that complement lavender beautifully without competing with it—light, nuanced sweetness from spring wildflowers that enhances every recipe in this collection.
Shop Spring Honey →Discover More Lavender Recipes
Ready to explore even more ways to cook with lavender? Check out our comprehensive lavender recipes collection featuring additional sweet and savory dishes, plus skincare recipes using farm-fresh lavender.
For those interested in growing their own culinary lavender, our guides on growing lavender and harvesting lavender provide everything you need to cultivate this versatile herb in your own garden.
Create Your Own Lavender Experience
Transform your culinary adventures into complete sensory experiences with our Lavender Experience Set. This curated collection includes everything you need to embrace lavender's calming properties, from skincare essentials to luxurious candles and gourmet treats.
Shop our complete Peace of Mind Collection featuring lavender-infused body care, home fragrance, and culinary delights all crafted with farm-grown lavender from our Chesterhaven Beach Farm.
Start Your Lavender Cooking Journey
With these recipes in your repertoire, you're ready to bring lavender's sophisticated elegance into your kitchen. Remember to start with small amounts, choose culinary-grade lavender, and embrace the creative possibilities this versatile herb offers.
Whether you're crafting the perfect lavender marshmallow, baking an elegant lemon lavender cake, or simply sweetening your morning coffee with lavender syrup, these recipes prove that everyday dishes can bloom into something absolutely extraordinary with just a pinch of this magical herb.
