Lavender isn’t just for perfumes and sachets—it’s a powerhouse ingredient in the kitchen. From gourmet desserts to handcrafted cocktails, culinary lavender adds an elegant, floral touch that transforms ordinary recipes into something extraordinary.
But how do you cook with lavender without making your food taste like soap? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use lavender like a pro, discover must-try recipes, and find out the best lavender choice for your kitchen.
Why Cook with Lavender?
Lavender has a clean, floral, and slightly minty flavor, making it an excellent complement to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s been used for centuries in Mediterranean and French cuisine, and now, top chefs and mixologists are bringing it back into the spotlight.
The Benefits of Culinary Lavender:
✔️ Unique Flavor Profile – A sophisticated blend of floral and herbal notes.
✔️ Versatile Ingredient – Works in baking, beverages, sauces, and spice blends.
✔️ Pairs Well with Many Flavors – Complements vanilla, citrus, honey, rosemary, sage, and dark chocolate.
✔️ Wellness Boost – Lavender is known for its calming properties and is often used in teas and stress-relief remedies.
How to Use Lavender in Cooking (Without Overpowering Your Dish!)
One of the biggest mistakes home cooks make when using lavender is adding too much. Lavender is potent, and a little goes a long way.
Follow these tips to get the perfect balance:
Use Sparingly – Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender in recipes.
Grind for Even Distribution – A mortar and pestle or spice grinder helps blend lavender seamlessly into your dish.
Pair Wisely – Lavender works beautifully with citrus, honey, vanilla, rosemary, mint, and berries.
Steep Instead of Direct Mixing – Infuse lavender into liquids (milk, cream, honey, simple syrup) for a subtle, infused flavor.
Must-Try Lavender Recipes
Lavender Honey Shortbread Cookies
Crisp, buttery, and subtly floral—these shortbread cookies are perfect with tea or as an elegant dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp honey
2 cups flour
1 tbsp WLV culinary lavender buds (finely ground)
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter, sugar, and honey together. Add flour, lavender, and salt.
Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Cool and enjoy!
Lavender Simple Syrup for Cocktails & Lattes
Add a floral touch to your favorite drinks!
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tbsp WLV culinary lavender buds
Instructions:
Bring water and sugar to a boil.
Stir in lavender and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Let rest for 15-20 minutes
Strain and store in a glass jar.
Use in cocktails, lattes, or lemonade!
Lavender Herb-Rubbed Grilled Salmon
A gourmet way to bring two PNW classic ingredients together.
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
1 tsp WLV culinary lavender buds , (finely ground-optional)
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix lavender, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub salmon with olive oil, then coat with the herb mixture.
Grill or pan-sear until cooked to preference.
Serve with lemon slices.
Why Choose Willamette Valley Lavender’s Culinary Lavender?
Not all lavender is created equal. Many store-bought options are stale, bitter, or too overpowering. Our hand-harvested, farm-grown lavender is cultivated with care to ensure perfect aroma and flavor.
✔️ Farm-to-Table Freshness – Grown naturally, without pesticides.
✔️ Hand-Harvested & Naturally Dried – Preserving essential oils for the best taste.
✔️ Oregon-Grown in the Willamette Valley – One of the finest agricultural regions in the U.S.
Cooking with lavender doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right balance and top-quality ingredients, you can bring gourmet flavors into your home effortlessly. Try it today and taste the difference!
Looking for more recipes? Check out more recipe ideas HERE!
Inspired by classic Provençal and modern culinary lavender recipes, we've carefully crafted these delicious dishes to bring out the best in our culinary lavender. Our versions balance the flavors and practicality we love!—give it a try!
Have you cooked with lavender before? Share your favorite recipes in the comments below!
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