Lavender isn’t just a beautiful, fragrant flower, it’s also a versatile ingredient in the kitchen! If you’ve ever sipped a lavender lemonade, lavender infused tea or artisan gourmet lavender chocolate, you know how this floral herb adds a unique, aromatic touch to recipes.
But not all lavender varieties are suitable for culinary use. In this guide, we’ll explore the best culinary lavender varieties, how to use them in teas and baked purchase here:
What Makes a Lavender Variety "Culinary?"
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to cooking. Some varieties are too strong or bitter, while others provide the perfect balance of floral, citrus, and sweet notes. Culinary lavender should be:
💜 Mild and sweet in flavor
💜 Low in camphor (a compound found in some lavender that gives a medicinal taste)
💜 Organically grown and pesticide-free
Best Culinary Lavender Varieties
Here are the best lavender varieties to use in your kitchen:
1. Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) – The Best for Culinary Use
The most popular and widely used culinary lavender varieties come from the Lavandula angustifolia species. These have a sweet, floral flavor without the overpowering camphor notes found in some other types.
💜 Hidcote: A deep purple variety with a slightly sweet, citrusy taste. Great for baking and teas.
💜 Munstead: A soft, aromatic variety perfect for infusing into honey, sugar, and syrups.
💜 Royal Velvet: Highly fragrant and excellent for making lavender sugar and shortbread cookies.
Munstead lavender variety is one the best varieties to grow here in Vermont. It can withstand bitter temperatures with a USDA zone of 4. I grow quite a few other lavender varieties that are more sensitive to cold in my large greenhouse like Hidcote.
💡 Tip: Always choose dried organic culinary lavender for the best flavor. You can find high-quality culinary lavender flowers here at our online shop/retail store. See FAQ where we are located.
Note: Affiliate link disclosure at bottom of this article
2. Provence Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)
💜 Flavor Profile: Slightly stronger than English lavender, with a bold floral taste and a hint of rosemary.
💜 Best Uses: Provence lavender is commonly used in French cuisine, particularly in Herbes de Provence seasoning blends. It’s excellent for savory dishes like roasted meats, vegetable marinades, and even infused oils.
3. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
💜 Flavor Profile: Milder and slightly fruity, with less camphor than some other lavenders.
💜 Best Uses: Works well in desserts, jellies, and homemade syrups. French lavender is sometimes infused into creams and custards for a floral twist.
4. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
💜 Flavor Profile: Piney and somewhat medicinal due to higher camphor levels. This variety is not recommended for most culinary uses.
💜 Best Uses: Occasionally used in spice blends but generally avoided in sweet dishes. Stick to English and Provence lavender for cooking.
How to Use Culinary Lavender in Teas, Cookies, and Sugars
Watch This!
Herbal Tea - How to Heat Seal a Tea Bag
1. Lavender Tea Blends
Lavender makes a delightful tea on its own or blended with other herbs. Try these combinations:
🍊 Lavender Citrus Tea: Blend dried lavender with dried orange peel and honey.
🌙 Relaxing Sleepy Tea: Combine lavender with chamomile for a soothing bedtime tea.
❄️ Cold & Flu Relief Tea: Mix lavender, spearmint, peppermint, and a touch of elderberry for an immunity-boosting tea.
How to Brew:
- Add 1 tsp dried culinary lavender to 1 cup hot water
- Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy!
For easy brewing, try using a glass tea infuser kettle for a perfect herbal infusion. Affiliate link
2. Baking with Lavender
Lavender adds a delicate floral note to cookies, cakes, and pastries. Here’s a simple lavender sugar cookie recipe:
Lavender Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
💜 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
💜 ¾ cup sugar
💜 1 egg
💜 2 cups all-purpose flour
💜 1 tsp vanilla extract
💜 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, ground
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla.
- Sift in flour and ground lavender. Mix until combined.
- Roll into small balls, place on a baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy your lavender-infused treats either with lavender herbal tea or lavender lemonade.
3. Making Lavender Sugar
Lavender sugar is a simple yet elegant way to infuse your baked goods, teas, and desserts with floral sweetness.
How to Make Lavender Sugar
💜 1 cup granulated sugar
💜 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
Instructions:
- Blend sugar and lavender in a food processor until well mixed.
- Store in an airtight jar and use in tea, baked goods, or sprinkled over fresh fruit.
Final Tips for Using Culinary Lavender
💜 Use lavender sparingly—too much can overpower your dish.
💜 Pair lavender with citrus flavors (lemon, orange) for a balanced taste.
💜 Store dried lavender in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Watch This!
🌿 Want to see how to use culinary lavender in recipes. Watch my latest YouTube video playlist on my channel @vermontlavender!
Related Post Ideas
- How to Make Lavender-Infused Honey Lip Scrub
- Lavender Lemonade A Refreshing Summer Drink
- Cooking With Lavender Is Relative To The Culinary Varieties Used
Share Your Results!
💜 Have you tried these recipes? Share your experience in the comments below!
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✨ Looking for more? Check out our shop for high-quality lavender essential oil and other skincare essentials. Shop Now!
Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and my small business! Your contributions help keep my passion for natural skincare, lavender, and creativity thriving. I only recommend products I trust and love. Thanks for being part of my journey!
