Lavender, with its unmistakable fragrance and calming properties, has long been prized for its beauty and therapeutic benefits. Native to the mountainous regions of the Western Mediterranean, this versatile herb was introduced to America by early settlers and has been cultivated for centuries. Of the approximately 40 known species, English lavender remains the most sought-after, particularly in culinary use.
At the Aptos Farmers Market, stop by Lavender Creek Company to explore fresh, fragrant organic culinary lavender — perfect for adding a floral touch to your kitchen and your home.
Lavender Fun Facts
Traditionally known for its medicinal qualities — helping ease joint pain, headaches, and sleeplessness — lavender has recently found its way into kitchens, bakeries, and craft cocktails. Just be sure that any lavender used in food is certified organic and specifically labeled as culinary, to ensure it hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals.
- A drop of lavender essential oil can relieve the sting and itch of insect bites.
- Its scent naturally repels mosquitoes, fleas, and even mice.
- Lavender doesn’t produce seeds—propagation is done through cuttings or root division.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, lavender symbolizes happiness, luck, and devotion.
Easy Ways to Use Dried Lavender
Here are some creative ways to enjoy dried lavender flowers from Lavender Creek Company or from your own garden.
Relaxing Sleep Pillow
Mix dried lavender with rice or buckwheat hulls and sew into a small eye pillow or sleep mask to encourage deep relaxation. Here are instructions for sewing at Homeday Interiors website.
Lavender Dryer Sachets
Fill hand-sewn pouches with dried lavender and toss them in with your laundry as a natural, chemical-free alternative to dryer sheets.
Soothing Bedtime Tea Blend
Blend equal parts dried lavender, chamomile, and mint. Use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz. of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey for a calming pre-sleep ritual.
Natural Air Freshener
Simmer a handful of dried lavender with citrus peel (lemon works beautifully) in a pot of water for a subtle, spa-like fragrance.
Lavender-Infused Sugar
Combine 1–2 tablespoons of dried lavender with 4 cups of sugar in a Mason jar. Let sit for two weeks, then sift out the flowers. Use your lavender sugar in tea, shortbread cookies, or scones for a delightful floral twist.
Lavender Linen Spray
To make a Parisian inspired lavender-scented laundry mist, combine distilled water, a spirit (like vodka or witch hazel), and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on laundry before or after washing. You can also add a few sprigs of dried lavender for extra fragrance. Visit Eleanor Rose Home website for the complete DIY instructions.
Lavender Simple Syrup
This delightful infusion is wonderful to add to cocktails or to tea! Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender flowers in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. (If desired, you can add a drop or two of food coloring to create a purple color.) Using a fine mesh strainer, strain syrup into a bottle and store in the refrigerator. It will keep one month.
Baking with Lavender
Lavender Shortbread Cookies are sublime — here’s one of our favorite recipes.
Herbes d’ Provence
Making your own spice blend is cost effective and much fresher than most on the shelf. Here’s our recipe.
Whether you’re sipping a fragrant tea, baking lavender shortbread, or simply enjoying its calming scent, culinary lavender is a delightful way to bring a bit of nature’s elegance into your daily life. Visit Lavender Creek Company at the Aptos Farmers Market for premium dried lavender, bundles, body care products and more.
See more LAVENDER RECIPES here!
