Growing Lavender Varieties for Stunning Perfume and Attractive Blossoms
Discover the delightful world of lavender, a fragrant herb that brings a touch of elegance to both your garden and your culinary creations. With over fifty different types of lavender plants available, each with its unique characteristics, it's essential to understand which varieties are best suited for cooking and baking.
In the realm of edible lavender, the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) stands out as the preferred choice for its mild, sweet flavor and low camphor content. This makes it safe and pleasant to consume in foods and teas. English lavender blooms early summer, and its immensely fragrant purple-blue flowers are prized for their aroma and flavor.
While English lavender is the most widely recommended culinary lavender, other varieties have their own distinct qualities. For instance, French lavender (Lavandula dentata) has a slightly different flavor profile and blooms mid to late summer. It's popular in warmer regions and suitable for containers and pots, but less commonly used in cooking than English lavender.
On the other hand, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is more drought-tolerant and has a pine-like scent, which is less commonly favored for culinary purposes due to a stronger, less sweet aroma. Portuguese or Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is evergreen with broader leaves and is very fragrant but typically not recommended for culinary use because it contains higher levels of camphor, which can impart a bitter taste.
For gardeners, the Royal Anouk variety of Spanish lavender is a unique take on traditional lavender shrubs, perfect for container gardening or landscape use. Meanwhile, the Royal Crown variety of French lavender is a compact shrub that is ideal for cottage gardens.
For those interested in growing lavender at home, seeds and plants can be purchased from Eden Brothers, local nurseries, or online platforms like Shop. Growers should expect plants to begin blooming in mid to late summer, depending on the variety.
In summary, for cooking and baking, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is preferred because it provides a gentle, sweet, floral flavor without the bitterness or strong herbal notes of other species. It is commonly used in sweet dishes, teas, and savory blends like herbes de Provence. So, why not infuse your culinary creations with the enchanting aroma of lavender and elevate your dishes to new heights?
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate cultivating different types of lavender in their gardens, such as the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata), both of which have unique characteristics and uses. While English lavender is popular for its mild, sweet flavor and low camphor content, suitable for cooking and baking, French lavender offers a slightly different flavor profile and is preferred in warmer regions and container gardening.
