Lavender is a member of the mint family. It likes a sunny location and is drought and pest resistant. However, not all lavenders are created equal! When looking for lavender with making tea in mind, consider planting English lavender, sometimes called "True Lavender".
English lavender is a hardy perennial with medium purple flowers, and typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet. It does well in zones 5 through 11. A few varieties of English lavender that are good for tea are:
Lavandula Angustifolia 'Folgate'
Lavandula Angustifolia 'Hidcote’ ("Queen of the Herbs")
Lavandula Angustifolia 'Pyrenaica'
Dried Lavandula Angustifolia flowers
Harvesting, Drying and Storing
Harvest the flowers in the Summer just when the flowers open. Take enough of the stems to tie together with rubber bands or twine. Hang bunches upside down in a cool, dark location for up to 4 weeks or until dry. The lavender is dry when the flowers start to fall off on their own. You may want to place something under the hanging bunches to catch any flowers that fall off during the drying process. Once dry, gently push the flower blooms off the stem, gather and place in a clean container. Store in a cool, dark location until ready to use.
Allergen Alert: Lavender essential oil (contained in the flowers) are well-known to trigger allergies and contact dermatitis. Lavender may react adversely with some drugs. Nausea, vomiting, headache and chills are sometimes reported after inhaling lavender or absorbing it through the skin. Please use caution and common sense when trying any new or unusual food product. I am not a medical expert and this is not meant as a substitute for medical advice from a trained professional.
Lavender Ice Tea
2 Tbsp. Lavender flowers (1 Tbsp. dry)
1 Tbsp. Lemon balm (1 tsp. dry, or one lemon slice)
1 Tbsp. Mint (1 tsp. dry, applemint is best, but spearmint works well too)
3 Tbsp. Honey
Pour six cups of boiling water on herbs and steep for ten to fifteen minutes.
Cool to room temperature.
Add lemon slice after cooling if you're using it instead of lemon balm.
Add honey and stir.
Add crushed ice.
