Lavender
Lavender is believed to originate from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and India. It is a common species found in herb gardens known for its beauty, its alluring scent and its extensive uses.
Its history goes back some 2500 years, starting with the ancient Greeks who called Lavender nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda and was commonly called Nard. Lavender was one of the holy herbs used to prepare the Holy Essence. The Romans used Lavender to scent their baths, beds, clothes and even hair. Today Lavender is just as popular as ever and continues to be cultivated across its countries of origin as well as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America.
As a member of the mint family, Lavender has also been used for centuries in the preparation of food. The flower delivers a floral, slightly sweet and elegant flavour to salads, soups, meat and seafood dishes, desserts, cheeses, baked goods and confectionery. Lavender Oil is very good on your pillow to help make you sleep.
Here at Grimscote Manor, we only grow English lavender which we harvest every year to dry out and use in sachets to scent the wardrobes and chest of drawers in the rooms, giving them a beautiful aroma.
Lavender Gin
You will need:
- Bottle of gin (72cl)
- 6 sprigs of lavender (flowers only, no stalks)
- 6 tsp of sugar
- A sealed container
Method:
- Empty the bottle of gin into a sealed container. Add 6 sprigs of lavender flowers and 6 teaspoons of sugar, gently melted with a little gin until dissolved.
- Seal the container for 10 days, shaking the container daily.
- After 10 days strain the gin back into the original bottle. This will keep for years — always date the bottle!
- Serve on crushed ice, with a dash of tonic or soda water and decorate with a fresh sprig of lavender flower.
Be sure to tag @GrimscoteManor in photos of your delicious gin and tonic!
