Drying lavender: tips for storage & further use
The scent of lavender really unfolds with drying. Here, we’ll show you how to dry lavender and where to use the flowers.
The fragrant lavender (Lavandula) was already known to the ancient Egyptians, who used it to embalm their dead. Later, lavender gave Romans courage before approaching battles and served as a medicinal plant for soldiers. Today, mostly the dried flowers of real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are used, which are used in cosmetics, the home and even in the kitchen. But what makes the purple Mediterranean herb so special and what is the best way to dry it? We have summarised the answers to these questions for you in this article.
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Drying lavender
The main harvesting period of lavender is during its flowering period between June and August. However, to help the flowers dry faster and avoid the risk of mould, you should only harvest the lavender on dry days. It is best to cut back the whole lavender bush at peak bloom (mid-July). Only the tips of the flowering branches are used for drying. Therefore, it is best to shorten the stems about 10 centimetres below the base of the flower. After harvesting, the freshly cut panicles are first spread out on a cloth and dried. After a few days, they can also be hung in bunches. To ensure that the aroma is not lost after a short time, you should store the dried lavender flowers in a dark, cool and dry place – for example, in an airtight jar in the pantry.
Drying lavender summary:
- Harvest time from June to August
- Harvest only on dry days
- Cut off branches about 10 cm below the base of the flower
- Spread them out on a cloth
- After a few days hang in bunches
- Dark, dry storage in jars or cans
Lavender: ingredients and uses
In addition to tannins and other secondary plant substances, dried lavender flowers contain up to three percent essential oil, which gives them their tangy aroma. The composition of the essential oil is extremely complex. So far, researchers have been able to identify over 150 compounds in it. The main components linalool and linalyl acetate together reach a proportion of up to 75 percent. But other components – such as cineole, borneol and camphor – also play an important role in the overall aroma.
Lavender as a medicinal plant
For use in cosmetics and natural medicine, the essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin. For example, it can be used to heal wounds for burns and minor injuries. However, it also performs well on balmy summer evenings when applied as a mosquito repellent.
In stressful times, the scent of lavender also provides peace and balance. It effectively prevents insomnia and brightens the mood. Lavender is a classic nerve sedative that is relaxing without making us tired. For headaches, the Mediterranean herb also provides relaxation. Besides using the essential oil, you can also drink the dried flowers as a tea or use them as a bath essence.
For home use, the flowers can also be used to make an oil extract. All parts of the plant should be well covered with virgin vegetable oil (for example, olive oil) to prevent mould growth. After 10 to 14 days, the homemade lavender oil is ready and you can use it strained as a fragrant massage oil for tense muscles.
Use of lavender in the home
Due to its properties, lavender is a natural disinfectant and can noticeably clean the air in rooms. Even the Latin name of the plant indicates its usefulness, because “lavare” translated means “wash”. Lavender extracts and the essential oil are ideal for sustainable household cleaning. Simply add a few drops to floor mopping water or use it to clean refrigerators and shelves. As a delicately scented ironing water, it can also be used to moisten laundry. If you still have not had enough of the aromatic scent, you can also fill small scented pillows with lavender flowers from your own garden to perfume your laundry – these even help prevent moths in your closet.
Use of lavender in the kitchen
The intense aroma of lavender tastes best combined with other herbs and spices. For example, the “Herbs of Provence” mixture is particularly popular, but it can also be combined with sage, rosemary, lemon peel or orange peel in Mediterranean dishes of all kinds, spicy cheese or grilled meat. Lavender flowers also taste great in homemade herb butter, lavender vinegar or herbal salt. Even in desserts, the slightly tart lavender aroma amazingly complements peaches, apricots, citrus fruits or honey.
If you are interested in the diversity of lavender, be sure to check out our list of species and varieties here.
