
Lavender Syrup
- Recipes
Lavender - a fragrant summer plant with remarkable qualities
Impressive mountain ranges and fertile valleys, lush vineyards and olive groves, charming coastal fishing villages and blooming lavender fields... our summer collection is inspired by the enchanting landscape of Provence. Our chocolatiers have created a truly distinctive chocolate bar: Organic Dark Chocolate Lavender. It consists of smooth, fruity dark chocolate infused with fragrant lavender oil. Lavender, with its unique aroma and aromatic properties, has accompanied us not only in culinary endeavors but also in cosmetics and herbal medicine for countless years. Let's take a closer look at this special plant.
Lavender, scientifically known as "Lavandula," is native to the Mediterranean regions, North Africa, and some parts of Asia. Even in the Roman Empire, fragrant bath essences were made from lavender. This gives insight into the origin of its name: Lavender is derived from the Latin word "lavare," which means "to wash" in translation.
There are approximately 47 to 50 types of lavender, with the True Lavender being the most well-known. It is cultivated for the extraction of lavender essential oil. Lavender thrives on dry slopes and in warm climates, but most lavender varieties can also be grown in our local gardens. It requires a sunny location, minimal moisture, and a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil. Lavender is a popular ornamental plant due to its striking, intense color, and its unique fragrance attracts bees and butterflies.
Lavender is attributed with calming and relaxing effects, making it beneficial for reducing stress and improving sleep. As a home remedy, lavender is commonly found in teas to help with headaches or digestive discomfort. It is also used in cosmetics to reduce skin irritations. Additionally, lavender serves as a decorative element, with lavender flowers enhancing floral arrangements or fragrant potpourris, infusing our homes with a Mediterranean character. In the culinary world, lavender adds a floral note and enhances pastries, desserts, salads, or beverages.
Lavender is a plant with true superpowers. Its fragrant aroma and impressive color should not be absent from our summer gardens. Our Organic Dark Chocolate Lavender bar is a perfect prelude to the holiday season – a dance of warmth, pleasure, and carefreeness on the palate.
The perfect complement to our delicious chocolate bar is homemade lavender syrup. Served as a cold beverage, it provides a soothing refreshment, especially on hot summer days.
Ingredients
2 kilograms of sugar
3 liters of water
2 organic lemons
1 organic orange
3 handfuls of lavender flowers
2 level tablespoons of citric acid
INSTRUCTIONS
Harvest the blooming lavender on a hot, dry day. The concentration of essential oils is highest at this time, resulting in a more intense flavor of the syrup.
Thoroughly wash the lemons and oranges, then slice them. Next, place the bloom of the lavender, together with the lemon and orange slices, in a sealable glass jar or pot.
In a separate pot, bring water and sugar to a boil, then add citric acid. Pour the mixture over the flowers and citrus fruits. Seal the container and let it steep in a bright location for 4-6 days.
Afterward, strain the syrup through a sieve and transfer it into sterilized bottles.
*For longer shelf life, bring the syrup to a boil once again before bottling.