Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Lavender wands are available year round with a peak season in spring.
Current Facts
Lavender, of the species Lavandula, is an aromatic flowering herb and a member of the Labiate or mint family. Today it is used most commonly for its oil and aromatic properties as well as for its culinary applications as an herb.
Description/Taste
Lavender wands are approximately five to six inches in length. Their pale green stem has thin petite darker green leaves at its base and is capped with a purple lavender flower. The wand in its entirety is covered in a soft white fuzz and emits a highly fragrant, distinctive floral scent.
Nutritional Value
Lavender has long been used for its medicinal properties. It is believed by many to highly beneficial in the treatment of stress, anxiety, insomnia and muscle pain and is often used in massage therapy and acupuncture. In the past lavender was commonly used to treat wounds, diseases of the skin, sore throats and toothaches and is being studied today for its ability to fight off bacterial infections.
Applications
Lavender wands are the ideal size for use as garnish in a variety of preparations. Use in lieu of a swizzle stick in cocktails. Add wands to lemonade or champagne for a subtle lavender infusion. Combine with other whole herbs when making pickles. Use wands as garnish atop cakes, muffins or shortbread. Stand wands upright in jars of oil or vinegar to make an attractive infusion. Combine with rosemary sprigs and use as a stuffing for roasted chicken. Lavender pairs well with goat cheese, vanilla ice cream, root vegetables, poultry, honey, butter and cream based sauces and desserts.
Geography/History
Believed to be native to the Mediterranean lavender flourishes in warm and sunny climates with well draining, slightly alkaline soil. Lavender’s namesake is said to have come from the Latin word lavar, which means, “to wash”. Not surprising considering lavender’s history of use as a perfume, incense and bath additive in Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt. Lavender was also popularly used as a disinfectant and for pest control because of its insecticidal properties. Today the bulk of lavender is grown in Australia, the United States and France.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| Bacci | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Gaijin Noodle & Sake House | San Diego CA | 858-246-7782 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Snake Oil Cocktail Company LLC | La Jolla CA | 858-382-5154 |
| Swoon Dessert Bar | San Diego CA | 619-528-0875 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| 100 wines | San Diego CA | 619-491-0100 |
| Horizon School | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5599 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lavender Wand Flowers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| She knows |
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Lavender Lemonade |
| About.com |
|
Sweet Wine Lavender Cookies Recipe |
