Lavender – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is lavender?

Although thought of as a flower, lavender is actually an herb. Part of the mint family (or Lamiaceae), it is one of about 30 species that fall into that category.

It may be best known for its fragrant and calming scent, especially when dried or converted to oil. When dried, it is used for sachets. Lavender’s essential oils also add fragrance to products. But lavender is edible and can be added to sweets and beverages like tea and cocktails. It also has many applications in herbal medicine.

Typically, the lavender with the most fragrance is the tastiest. Like rosemary, fennel, oregano, thyme, and sage, lavender makes a great addition to savory and sweet dishes because of its taste and color. Salads and lamb benefit from the taste of the herb, as do citrus dishes, fruits, and some desserts (e.g., creme brulee). When using lavender in desserts, mixing the dried herb with sugar softens its taste.

When consumed, lavender has a mild peppery flavor. The leaves, buds, and stems can all be used fresh or dried. Among the many recipes using lavender are tea, lemonade, cakes, and cookies. The woody stems of the lavender plant are also very versatile. They are often used in marinades and meat rubs or added to hot coals for grilling.

Although most lavender is purple, some varieties may be blue, pink, or white. It can be found with herbs in grocery stores or in the floral department with other edible blooms.

Where did lavender originate from?

Lavender has its origins in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. Evidence of lavender exists about 2,500 years ago.

One of the holy herbs used by the ancient Greeks, the name comes from the Latin “lavare,” which means “to wash.” That’s because the Romans used the herb to scent baths, clothes, and hair. Over time, lavender was integrated into Spanish, Italian, French, and English cuisine.

Today, lavender is grown in all the places noted above as well as in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Edible flowers like lavender have become increasingly popular in recent years. They can be an attractive, exotic, and tasty addition to a wide range of dishes.

What is the nutritional value of lavender?

Since ancient times, lavender was thought of as a cure for many physical and mental ailments, including anxiety and depression, headaches, insomnia, hair loss, toothaches, nausea, acne, skin irritations, and even cancer.

Although the medical community is divided on the impact of lavender on treating diseases, aromatherapy may help with the side effects of cancer treatments and dementia because a patient’s mood is impacted through smell receptors.

Massage therapists often use lavender in their treatment modalities because of its relaxing effect. Lavender oils can ease skin ailments like eczema, sunburns, diaper rash, and acne.

Lavender contains small amounts of vitamins like B12, D, and E, as well as magnesium, copper, selenium, and zinc.

How is lavender grown?

To grow well, lavender needs bright, full sun and well-drained earth. It grows as a perennial in dry climates but only blooms annually in more humid ones.

The best time to plant lavender is in the spring. The plants are spaced about 2 to 3ft apart and can grow to 1 to 3ft in height. Commercial growers may also cultivate giant plants, which can grow to almost 4ft. When lavender is harvested frequently, it continues to grow. Lavender typically grows as wide as it is tall. Farmers must carefully prune and manage the growth to keep it from spreading.

When is lavender in season?

Three types of lavender have three different growing seasons. But the herb is best when harvested from early spring to late summer. Dried lavender can often be found all year round and is easily available for delivery/pick-up near you.  Shop dried lavender now.

How do you pick lavender at the grocery store?

Fresh lavender is typically sold in bunches. Look for bunches that are vibrant and full of blooms.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for lavender via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for organic lavender.

How to store lavender

Lavender should be stored out of direct sunlight so that the color remains strong. Warm and dry areas with good airflow will keep the fragrance strong. It will dry in about 2 to 3 weeks. Dried lavender can be stored in airtight containers to preserve its fragrance.

While drying the blooms, people often hang the bundles upside down. Lavender can also be dried in the oven. The process takes about 15 minutes at 100°F. It can also be dried in about 2 hours in a dehydrator.

How to tell if lavender is bad

Dried lavender can last as long as 2 to 3 years if properly stored. When the scent starts to fade, it is no longer potent. When lavender is not used right away, drying it and storing it airtight is most prudent.

What can I substitute for lavender?

In cooking, other fragrant herbs like rosemary make the best substitute for lavender. Use about half the amount as lavender. Other fragrant herbs that work well in savory dishes include herbs de Provence, a blend that appeared in the U.S. in the 1970s.

In sweet dishes and pastries, Parfait d’Amour may be a good substitute. A liqueur with a curacao base, vanilla, and flower petals, it adds a floral note to desserts. Some chefs also recommend lemon thyme as a substitute.

Where can I find lavender near me?

Fresh herbs are a great addition to any shopping cart. Because lavender is so versatile and has such a long life, you should keep it on hand for a wide range of desserts and savory dishes. Produce delivery via Instacart is a convenient way to stock your home with lavender.

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