It’s well known that lavender’s pleasing aroma can help calm the mind, but did you know that this fragrant herb can also soothe the stomach? With polyphenol antioxidants, lavender has the ability to reduce the “bad” bacteria in your gut—easing the pains of bloating and poor digestion.

COOKING WITH LAVENDER

As a member of the same family as many other popular herbs, it is not surprising that lavender is edible, and its flavors are popping up in restaurants and bakeries across the country. Flowers and leaves can be used fresh, and both buds and stems can be utilized when dry. Lavender is a member of the mint family and is close to rosemary, sage, and thyme. It is best complemented with fennel, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, and savory. English Lavender (l. angustifolia and munstead) has the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is the one most commonly used in cooking. Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor, with lemon and citrus notes. The potency of lavender flowers increases with drying.

Lavender tips and background courtesy of Fiona’s Delicatessen & Catering.