Sweet Flavors of Lavender Flowers and Grilled Meats

English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is one of a few dozen species of lavender in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It may also be called common lavender or true lavender. Native to the western Mediterranean, lavender is grown in temperate zones around the world for its beautiful flower spikes and fragrance.

Lavender is a perennial shrub that grows two to three feet tall. Evergreen leaves are narrow, gray-green, and about an inch long. Lavender flowers, in whorls at the tips of the stems, rise above the foliage. The flowers are tubular with five lobes.

Lavender does well in xeriscaping or low-water gardening, so it is sought after for rock gardens and the like. It does not tolerate wet roots, so good drainage is essential. Organic mulch tends to retain moisture, so pebbles, gravel, or sand are preferred.

In the garden and along walkways, lavender makes a good hedge or border plant with its colorful flower spikes that can be lilac, purple, blue or white. The term lavender can be used to refer to the color of some of the purple flower varieties.

Lavender hybridizes easily and there are many cultivated varieties available. Hybrids between true lavender and other lavender species are generically called levandins. Different characteristics make levandinas attractive to gardeners. Some are dwarfs, semidwarfs, or giants in stature. Other levandins have flower spikes of different colors, flower sizes, and fragrances. True lavender is said to have the richest fragrance.

For best scent, cut off fresh flower spikes when flowers begin to open. Do not heat dry as this will remove the volatile oils that perfume this plant. Arrange fresh flowers in vases to enhance the room’s décor. Put dried flowers in sachets to freshen up bedding, clothes drawers and closets.

In the kitchen, lavender is not used as often. It is an ingredient in the French blend of dried herbs, herbes de Provence, whose main flavor is thyme. Other herbs in the mix include savory, fennel, and basil, among others. Lavender is added to Herbes de Provence for the US market, but is not used in French blends as it is not traditionally a part of French cooking. Stews, grilled fish and meats are seasoned with herbs de Provence.

Lavender flowers are edible and can be sweetened and used as cake decorations. The sweet essence of lavender is extracted from the flowers to make lavender syrup. Lavender syrup is used to add an interesting flavor to baked goods, candies, and cheeses.

Lavender essential oil is used in lotions, shampoos, air fresheners, potpourri, and disinfectants. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been used to treat skin ailments, relieve headaches, reduce anxiety, and induce sleep.