In this series, Cathy Isom has taken you through planting, growing, and caring for Lavender. In today’s program she fills you in on how to harvest Lavender. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Harvest your Lavender when approximately one-half to one-third of the flower buds are open if you are using lavender for oil. Cut low on the stem about two inches from the stalk early in the morning to conserve the volatile oils.
Dry lavender by hanging it in a dry, warm spot away from sunlight for 2-3 weeks. You can keep cut lavender alive for a few days by placing cut stems in a jar of water. Lavender adds sweet, peppery, and floral notes to dishes and drinks.
In drinks, try it mixed with sweet tea and lemonade. You can also add it to sparkling water with a little sugar for a summer spritzer.
Lavender lends itself particularly well to baked goods like scones and cakes. Lavender has a variety of medicinal uses. It can relieve anxiety, insomnia, headache, and pain. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
I’m Cathy Isom…