Herb is not just a pretty smell

IT WOULD be easy to assume that lavender was just a pretty purple flower with a sweet smell.
But out of the garden, lavender can be used for a variety of purposes around the home.
Depending on the type of lavender used (there are English, French and Spanish varieties) lavender can be used in cooking, cleaning and presentation.
Annemarie and Peter Manders operate Warratina Lavender Farm in Wandin Yallock and say the options are endless.
“The properties of lavender can never be underestimated,” Ms Manders said.
“Among the many uses of lavender are the special properties of this magic herb.”
The Manders make all their own lavender based produce and recommend everything from lavender mustard to lavender honey.
“Lavender mustard can be used as a condiment to a rack of lamb, as flavouring in fish and even on gourmet ham sandwiches,” Ms Manders said.
“Lavender honey dressing can be blended with all your favourite herbs and garlic, stirred through with olive oil and served with a crisp green salad.”
But it’s not just sauces and marinades, lavender can also be used in baking bread, biscuits, scones and cakes.
Ms Manders recommends a range of lavender based desserts including rhubarb and lavender pie, fresh summer fruit salad and lavender, lavender pancakes and even lavender sorbet, using champagne, lemon, egg white and sugar lavender flowers.
Other lavender products include scented candles and cosmetics such as soap and bath salts.
“Because of its relaxing effect, lavender has a sedative action and is an excellent herb to use for insomnia,” Ms Manders said.
“The essential lavender oil also has antiseptic qualities and can reduce the risk of infection, heal burns and aid the recovery of insect bites and cold sores.”
For more information on the many uses of lavender visit www.warratinalavender.com.au or call 5964 4650.