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If you’ve ever come across a recipe that calls for lavender, you may be wondering—can you use any lavender, or do you need a special kind?
The answer is: you need culinary lavender.
Culinary lavender is specifically grown and processed for food use. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is safe to use in recipes like jams, baked goods, drinks, and more.
If you’re using lavender for canning and are new to canning, be sure to read my water bath canning for beginners guide and see the canning supplies you need here before getting started.
Try dried lavender in recipes like lavender syrup, lavender jelly, and lavender lemonade.
What Is Culinary Lavender?
Culinary lavender is a food-grade lavender that is safe to use in cooking and baking.
It is usually made from specific varieties (like English lavender) that have:
- a sweeter flavor
- less bitterness
- lower camphor content
This makes it ideal for recipes.
Can You Use Any Lavender for Cooking?
No—not all lavender is safe or pleasant to eat.
Some types of lavender:
- taste bitter or soapy
- contain higher levels of camphor
- may be treated with chemicals
Always use culinary-grade lavender labeled for food use.
What Does Culinary Lavender Taste Like?
Lavender has a light floral flavor with slightly sweet and herbal notes.
When used correctly, it adds a unique flavor to recipes.
When overused, it can taste strong or soapy.
A little goes a long way.
How to Use Culinary Lavender
Culinary lavender can be used in:
- jams and jellies
- syrups
- lemonade and iced tea
- baked goods
- sugar infusions
It pairs especially well with:
- lemon
- blueberries
- honey
- vanilla
How Much Lavender to Use
Lavender is very strong, so it’s important not to use too much.
Start small and adjust to taste
For most recipes:
- 1–2 teaspoons dried lavender is enough
Too much lavender can overpower the dish.
Where to Buy Culinary Lavender
When buying lavender for recipes, look for:
- labeled “culinary lavender”
- food-grade quality
- organic if possible
See the culinary lavender I use here
Common Questions
Can I use lavender from my garden?
Only if you are sure it is:
- the correct variety
- free from chemicals or pesticides
Otherwise, it’s best to use culinary lavender.
Why does lavender sometimes taste soapy?
This usually happens when:
- too much lavender is used
- the wrong type of lavender is used
Can I substitute fresh lavender for dried?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount since fresh lavender is less concentrated.
More Canning Resources
If you’re learning to can, these guides will help:
- Water bath canning for beginners
- Canning supplies for beginners
- What is pectin?
- What is canning salt?
You can also browse all of my jam and jelly recipes here for more ideas.
You can also browse all of my canning recipes here for more beginner-friendly ideas.
Follow my lavender recipes board on Pinterest.
