Benefits and Safety of Eating Edible Lavender Varieties

Understanding Edible Lavender Varieties

The fragrant purple flowers and aromatic smell of lavender are quite familiar. But did you know that lavender is edible, too? There are over 40 varieties - and some taste better than others for culinary use. English lavenders like Munstead or Hidcote work well for cooking.

Popular Culinary Lavender Varieties

The most common lavenders safe for eating fresh or dried include:

• English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Munstead, Hidcote
• Fringed Lavender (Lavandula dentate)
• Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Fathead, Italian Lavender
• French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

These edible lavenders have a pleasant, floral aroma and sweeter nectar suited for food and drinks. The flowers add pretty purple spots and pop of color too.

Is Eating Lavender Safe?

Culinary-grade lavender is perfectly safe for most people when used appropriately as an herb or garnish. Lavender flowers, leaves, and oil extracts add nice flavor to various recipes.

Safety Precautions

A few lavender cautions include:

• Don't ingest lavender oil extracts straight undiluted
• Use minimal dried lavender when cooking
• Introduce new lavender foods slowly to check for allergic reactions
• Avoid during pregnancy due to possible uterine effects

Talk to your doctor before eating lavender if taking medications or if you have upcoming surgery due to its sedative properties.

Nutritional Benefits

Eating edible lavender offers some benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like flavonoids, tannins, and rosmarinic acid
• High vitamin A levels
• Decent vitamin C content
• Beta carotenes and lutein for eye health
• Potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and copper

Delicious Ways to Eat Lavender

The sweet floral aroma and taste of edible lavender lends well to many recipes. Get creative with buds in drinks, baked goods, jellies, meat rubs, and more.

Beverages

Steep dried lavender or use extracts to infuse that pretty purple color and flavor into:

• Tea - hot or iced
• Lemonade, juice, or soda water
• Wine spritzers
• Cocktails
• Smoothies

Baked Goods

Fold fresh or dried lavender into:

• Scones
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Muffins
• Biscuits
• Bread

The floral aroma really enhances vanilla, lemon, or berry flavors.

Other Tasty Recipes

Get creative with buds or extracts to elevate:

• Jams, jellies
• Honey, syrups
• Vinegars, dressings
• Ice cream, sorbet.
• Salad greens
• Meat rubs
• Rice or grains

How to Safely Grow Edible Lavender

It's easy to grow potted or garden lavender for a ready culinary supply right outside your door. Just stick to edible varieties suitable for eating.

Key Tips for Growing

Follow these top lavender growing tips:

• Sun: Needs full sun at least 6 hours daily
• Soil: Very well-draining, slightly alkaline
• Water: Drought-tolerant, avoid overwatering
• Size: Space plants 18-24 inches apart
• Harvest: Cut flower stalks when buds first open

Where to Plant Lavender

Lavender thrives in hot, Mediterranean-like climates. It grows well outdoors in most areas as:

• Potted patio containers
• Borders or rows in herb/vegetable gardens
• Low decorative hedges

Move potted lavender plants indoors to a sunny windowsill in cold winters.

Ongoing Care

Here are some lavender plant care tips:

• Prune plants after flowering ends to shape and prevent woody stems
• Mulch beds to regulate moisture and temperature
• Watch for common pests like spider mites, thrips, or root rot in wet climates
• Propagate new plants from cuttings in early summer

The Takeaway on Eating Lavender

Culinary-grade lavender offers a unique way to spice up recipes. Its pretty purple hue and floral sweet taste enhances drinks, baked goods, jams, and more. Lavender also provides nutritional benefits and keeps easy right in the garden.

Just be sure to select one of the non-toxic, palatable varieties that specify they are suitable for eating if adding fresh or dried buds to your meals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.