::Hints and Recipes::
Lavender Uses
Lavenders are widely grown in gardens. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Dried and sealed in pouches, they are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and as a deterrent to moths. The plant is also grown commercially for extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. This oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy.
Lavender flowers yield abundant nectar which yields a high quality honey for beekeepers. Lavender monofloral honey is produced primarily in the nations around the Mediterranean, and marketed worldwide as a premium product. Lavender flowers can be candied and are used as cake decoration. Lavender is also used as a herb, either alone or as an ingredient of herbes de Provence. Lavender is also used to flavour sugar, the product being called "lavender sugar", and the flowers are occasionally sold in a blend with black, green, or herbal tea, adding a fresh, relaxing scent and flavour.
French chefs in and around Provence, France have been incorporating this herb into their cuisine for many centuries. Lavender lends a floral, slightly sweet and elegant flavour to most dishes. For most cooking applications it is the dried buds (also referred to as flowers) of lavender that are utilised, though some chefs experiment with the leaves as well. It is the buds however that contain the essential oil of lavender, which is where both the scent and flavour of lavender are best derived.
This Months Reciepes: Lavender Macadamia Biscuits
::LAVENDER MACADAMIA BISCUITS::
These biscuits are a favourite for anytime.
Makes around 70 biscuits. Suitable for freezing.
Ingredients
5 cups plain flour
2 cups raw sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
500g butter/margarine
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups coconut
3 cups coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Grease baking sheets or line with baking paper. Place the butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the raw sugar and brown sugar & lavender flowers. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes, until very light. Beat in 1 egg at a time until incorporated and then add the vanilla.
In another large bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. When just incorporated, add the coconut and mix briefly. Stir in the nuts by hand. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Drop tablespoons of the biscuit mixture onto the baking sheets and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 10 - 13 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.
USEFUL LINKS
Larkmann Nurseries - for all lavender tubestock
Granite Belt Wine & Tourism
The Australian Lavender Growers Association (TALGA) - National body for Lavender Growers
Southern Downs & Granite Belt - Regional Tourism
Goondiwindi Regional Council - Our local council
Globe Accounting
Medicinal Use
Lavender has been used extensively in herbalism.
English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia (also known as lavandin), yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of terpenes including camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas is not used medicinally, but mainly for landscaping purposes.
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces. These extracts are also popularly used as fragrances for bath products.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches.
Health precautions: There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen.
DID YOU KNOW?
• A few drops of lavender oil in a footbath may relieve fatigue.
• A few drops of lavender oil on bedding will promote a peaceful sleep.
• The ancient Romans used lavender to make perfumes, soaps and cosmetics.
• Lavender scented finger bowls will set a note at your next dinner party.
