Dried lavender is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways. It is a lovely addition to recipes to impart a subtle flowery flavor and can also be used as a decorative addition to tea, cakes, and savory dishes alike.
Dried lavender can also be used to help create a more calming atmosphere in the home.
Aromatic sachets filled with dried lavender can be placed in your home to help soothe the senses and promote an environment of calm. Simply take a small square of cloth, fill it with dried lavender, and tie a knot.
Sachets can be placed in wardrobes, drawers, and around the home. Alternatively, lavender potpourri can be made by mixing dried lavender with petals of rose, chamomile, rosemary, and other fragrant plants.
Finally, dried lavender can be steeped in boiling water to create a relaxing herbal tea. Not only is the flavour soothing, but studies have shown lavender helps ease anxiety and encourages restful sleep.
To make lavender tea, simply add a teaspoon or two of dried lavender to boiled water and let it sit for several minutes. You can add a bit of honey or your favorite sweetener if you wish.
What to do with lavender after it dries?
Once lavender has dried, there are many different things that can be done with it. It can be used to give a pleasant scent to closets, drawers, and other small spaces. Lavender sachets can easily be made with dried lavender, some lace, and a needle and thread.
Lavender can also be used to make essential oil, which can be used in a variety of products like hand soaps, bath salts, and lotions. Lavender tea is a popular choice for those looking for a relaxing beverage.
Dried herb blends for cooking can also include lavender, which can add an interesting flavor to dishes. Whether in food, tea, or homemade products, dried lavender can be used to add a pleasant scent and flavor.
Does dried lavender expire?
No, dried lavender does not have an expiration date as it is a dried plant material. The scent and flavor of lavender typically fades over time but it doesn’t become unsafe to consume. The dried flowers should last a minimum of 2 years when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
However, it could last up to 5 years if stored properly. To maximize the storage life of the lavender, make sure to remove any moisture that might have accumulated and keep it away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat and light.
Also, lavender essential oil has a much longer shelf life than dried flowers and can last up to two years with proper storage.
How long does dried lavender last in a vase?
Dried lavender typically lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 years in a vase, depending on the environment and how it is stored or handled. If dried lavender is exposed to too much moisture, it has the potential of molding and losing its scent, which could drive down its longevity.
To ensure your dried lavender lasts for as long as possible in a vase, it is important to handle it in a way that does not expose it to moisture. Always store it away from water sources, like buckets and sinks.
Furthermore, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and other areas where temperatures are high, as this could speed up the drying process and make the dried lavender break more easily. To keep the dried lavender looking freshly dried, spritz it occasionally with lavender water or oil until desired aroma and depth of color is reached.
Can you make lavender water with dried lavender?
Yes, you can make lavender water with dried lavender. The process is quite simple and produces a fragrant, soothing liquid that can have a variety of uses. To make lavender water, you will need some dried lavender, distilled water, and a spray bottle.
Start by combining one cup of distilled water with two tablespoons of dried lavender in the spray bottle. Then, shake it up to evenly distribute the lavender. Next, let the mixture steep overnight or for up to 12 hours.
Once the desired extraction time has passed, strain the dried lavender out of the liquid. Finally, pour the lavender water into a different spray bottle (or the same one for easy storage) and make sure to tightly seal the bottle in order to keep air out.
Lavender water can be used as a natural perfume, relaxing body spray, or even a surprising facial toner. Enjoy!.
Why does my dried lavender not smell?
One possibility is that you purchased dried lavender that is past its prime and is no longer fragrant. As lavender is a member of the mint family, its volatile oils degrade over time, leading to a loss of scent.
If the lavender is particularly old, this may be the source of the problem. Additionally, lavender is quite delicate, so if it was not dried or stored properly and for too long, this could also result in a lack of scent.
Furthermore, the particular variety of lavender may also have an effect on the fragrance of the dried buds. As some varieties have stronger scents than others, they may be better suited to drying and preserving the smell.
Therefore, if you are purchasing dried lavender, make sure it is a variety that is known for its scent. Finally, some lavender varieties are not inherently fragrant, and may require special oil treatments to give off an odor.
What can I do with dried lavender?
Dried lavender can be used to make a variety of things. It can be used to make fragrant potpourri, which is perfect for freshening up any room in the home. Dried lavender can also be used to make fragrant sachets to hang in closets, or tucked into drawers to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
You can also make a homemade lavender linen spray to spray onto bedding and towels. Lavender oil is a great natural air freshener and can be added to a spray bottle with water and a few drops of essential oil.
Dried lavender can also be added to homemade beauty products, such as sugar scrubs, body butters, and lotions. A wonderfully fragrant soap bar can also be made with dried lavender. Lavender is also a popular ingredient in herbal teas and can be added to any tea blend for a relaxing, aromatic flavor.
Why is my lavender crunchy?
One possibility is that you have over-fertilized it. Lavender is quite sensitive to fertilizers and can become crispy if fertilized too heavily. Another possibility is that it’s not receiving enough water.
Lavender, like many other herbs, is prone to wilting if it does not get enough water. Be sure to check the soil to make sure there is adequate moisture. Additionally, lavender is prone to spider mite infestations.
Spider mites can suck the moisture out of the leaves, causing them to dry out and become crunchy. If you think this may be the case, look closely at the leaves for webbing or spider mites. If you find them, you’ll need to treat it to get rid of the problem.
Ultimately, the best way to determine exactly why your lavender is crunchy is to consult with a professional.
Why does lavender turn gray?
The aging of lavender plants and the graying of their flower heads has to do with a reversible process called “senescence”. This simply means that as the lavender plants age, their growth hormones become increasingly depleted and their cells no longer have the capacity to produce vibrant colored pigments.
With a decrease in pigmentation comes the gradual transition to a gray hue. In a few cases, extreme weather conditions like intense heat or a severe lack of rainfall can also contribute to the graying of lavender plants.
Additionally, the gray hue may be caused by the buildup of water droplets on the surfaces of the flowerheads, as this can visibly lighten a flower’s color.
The color of lavender is particularly volatile due to its delicate composition and structure, making it more susceptible to sun, wind, and other weather-related damage. Over time, aging lavender plants tend to turn a paler gray as the components that give their vibrant color begin to fade away.
Environment and genetic makeup are therefore two main factors for why lavender turns gray.