Late July brings a flourish of purple fields speckled with dancing butterflies and the sweet, soothing aroma of lavender drifting through the air. While these summer blooms are gorgeous in a bouquet, lavender also makes a lovely and impressive addition to our plates.
Adding a pinch of lavender breathes new life into a dish with a vibrant, fragrant note that heightens the flavors of other ingredients. Lavender-infused honeys weave an herbal touch into baked goods and ice cream. The dried buds are a fixture in the classic French seasoning blend Herbes de Provence, and lavender simple syrup creates a botanical splash in summertime cocktails.
Let’s dream up all the ways that lavender can bloom new flavors into our summer menus.
Sourcing Lavender and Visiting Local Fields
You can go the time-saving route and purchase culinary lavender, or you can harvest fresh blooms yourself (just make sure to ask if the farm grows lavender that’s safe to eat.)
Best time to go: July—check the farm’s website or social media for peak bloom updates.
Visiting a lavender field is nothing short of ethereal. I go every year to breathe in the fleeting slice of serenity. Here in Western Washington, we’re fortunate to have access to abundant fields right outside the city. Two of my favorites are JB Family Growers in Woodinville and Crescent Valley Lavender Farm in Gig Harbor.
How to dry fresh lavender:
1. Gather U-pick bundles.
2. Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dry place for one week.
3. Strip buds from stems and store in an airtight container.
Recipe Ideas and Cooking Tips
Lavender can enhance a broad range of culinary creations—from delicate and sweet to rich and savory. Its heady fragrance pairs beautifully with lemon, honey, chamomile, berries, vanilla, and roasted poultry. For savory recipes, look for Herbes de Provence, a classic French seasoning that traditionally includes lavender.
Remember, a little goes a long way. Scent is the gateway to taste—you only need a small amount to infuse a dish with its distinctive flavor.
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
The quintessential summer treat, dipped in dark chocolate for a smidge of decadence. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies carry lavender’s soothing aroma with ease and elegance. Enjoy them with a cup of tea for a moment of botanical bliss.
Lavender Spatchcock Chicken
Floral notes of lavender and rosemary pair harmoniously with honey and mustard for a savory roasted chicken that will transport you to the French countryside. Ask one of our skilled butchers to spatchcock (butterfly) the chicken for you and be sure to season the chicken the night before cooking so it can fully absorb the garden-fresh flavors.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender, sugar, and water are all you need to concoct a wonderfully versatile beverage embellishment. Soon you’ll be sipping on homemade lavender lemonade or lavender lemon drop martinis—you’ll find directions for both in the recipe.
DIY Pantry Staples
Lavender is an exceptionally dry flower, so it won’t spoil for a long while and can be used to upgrade pantry staples. You can blend lavender buds with sugar or salt to bring the warm flavors of summer well into the winter season. I particularly love making lavender-infused honey—try the Royal Velvet variety for especially silky, luxurious flavor.
Taylor’s Tip: These homemade kitchen essentials make amazing gifts during the holiday season! Who doesn’t love a heartfelt edible creation?
Host a Lavender-Themed Gathering
Looking to shake up your entertaining routine? Here’s a lavender-inspired blueprint for a relaxed summer gathering with friends and family.
Welcome Drink: Lavender lemonade made with lavender simple syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig
Snack Board: Assorted cheeses and cured meats served with lavender honey
Dessert: Homemade lavender shortbread cookies
Décor: Fresh lavender bundles as table centerpieces
Our Ready-to-Enjoy Lavender Products
Want to indulge in lavender’s tranquility without the kitchen prep time? Here are some of our favorite lavender-infused items available in-store:
For a Quiet, Peaceful Moment
Tao of Tea Chamomile Lavender Herbal Tea - Buy it here.
Savannah Bee Company Lavender Honey - Buy it here.
For Dessert Lovers
Belle Epicurean Honey Lavender Cake Slice
Ruby Jewel Lemon Lavender Ice Cream Sandwich - Buy it here.
Create Your Calm
Whether you’re gathering blooms from a local lavender field, baking a batch of shortbread, or enjoying a slice of honey lavender cake, there’s something enchanting about bringing the flavors of the season into your home.
Shop online to find everything you need for a lavender-filled summer. Wishing you a relaxing day!