Dried culinary lavender
Description
Dried culinary lavender has a delicate, floral aroma with hints of sweetness, citrus, and a slightly herbal bitterness; it resembles small purple flower buds and gray-green leaves when dried, adding a decorative, rustic touch to dishes. In terms of nutritional values, it is low in calories, rich in essential oils (including linalool, linalyl acetate) and phenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant properties; it has traditionally been used to support digestion, relieve tension, and as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent, although this should be considered a supplement, not a substitute for medical advice. In the kitchen, it pairs well with baked goods and desserts (cakes, crumbles, creams), syrups, teas, lemonades, and cocktails, as well as with herbal blends, marinades, and roasted meats, particularly lamb or root vegetables. Store in a sealed, opaque container in a cool, dry, and dark place, preferably as whole buds; avoid moisture and strong odors to preserve the aroma for about 6–12 months.
