Dried lavender is a favorite and versatile herb with a calming scent, used in cooking, therapy, and home decor. But does dried lavender go bad? This is a question many lavender lovers ask to get the most out of their dried lavender. In this guide, we will look at the shelf life of dried lavender, how to store it, and how to refresh the scent to get the most out of it.
What is Dried Lavender?
Dried lavender is harvested from lavender plants such as Lavandula angustifolia and dried to preserve its fragrant and therapeutic properties. This versatile herb can be used in cooking, therapy, and home decor. Drying lavender enhances the scent so it’s a popular choice for those who want to fill their surroundings with a calming aroma.
How to Dry Lavender
To get the best quality and longest shelf life of dried lavender it’s important to dry it properly. Start by harvesting lavender on a dry day, usually in the late morning after the dew has evaporated. The best time to harvest is when the buds are formed but before the flowers are open. This is when the lavender is at its most aromatic.
Once harvested tie the lavender stems into small bundles and hang them upside down in a well ventilated, dark, and dry room. This allows for good air circulation prevents mold and preserves the essential oils. The drying process takes around 2-4 weeks depending on the environment.
Storage Basics
Proper storage of dried lavender is key to getting the most out of it and keeping its fragrance and quality. Store dried lavender in a cool, dry place where it’s protected from moisture, light, and heat. Using airtight containers such as glass jars with tight fitting lids will help protect the dried lavender from external elements that can degrade it.
Choosing Storage Containers
For best preservation choose airtight containers like glass jars or non transparent jars to store your dried lavender. Mason jars are great for storing small amounts of lavender for easy access and to keep the fragrance. Airtight containers prevent moisture from getting in and protect from light which can degrade the essential oils in the lavender buds.
Storage Tips
To get the most out of dried lavender store it in airtight containers and in a cool dark place. Don’t store it in humid or hot environments as this will cause spoilage and degrade the quality.
Moisture and Humidity
Moisture is the enemy of dried lavender so store it in a low humidity environment. Consider adding silica gel packets to the storage containers to absorb any remaining moisture. Keep the containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources to keep the quality and fragrance of the dried lavender.
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
When stored properly dried lavender can last up to 10 years. The longevity and quality of dried lavender depend on the variety of the plant, the harvesting, and the drying process. Proper storage conditions like a cool and dry place are key to keeping the quality of dried lavender.
Spoilage and Contamination
Dried lavender can go bad if not stored properly. Spoilage usually happens when exposed to moisture, light, or high temperatures. Make sure containers are airtight and moisture free before storing dried lavender. If the lavender develops a musty smell or is discolored it’s likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Using Dried Lavender in Cooking and Tea
Dried lavender is a lovely addition to culinary dishes, it adds a floral and slightly sweet flavor. Use it sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the dish. For example, use about 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds for 1 cup of hot water to make a soothing lavender tea. Lavender tea is known for its calming and relaxing properties so it’s perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
Aromatic and Therapeutic Uses
The fragrance of dried lavender is highly prized for its calming properties. Use it in potpourri, sachets, or as a fragrant addition to homemade soaps or candles. The lavender essential oil which is extracted from dried lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming and stress relieving properties. Add dried lavender to your home decor and not only will you get a lovely scent but also a sense of calm and well being.
Rejuvenate Lavender’s Fragrance
Over time the fragrance of dried lavender can fade. To revive the scent add a few drops of lavender essential oil directly onto the dried lavender buds. This simple trick will refresh the fragrance and you can enjoy the calming scent for longer. Using lavender sachets will also release small amounts of lavender essential oil from the dried lavender buds and keep the fragrance fresh.
Proper storage conditions like a cool and dry place are key to keeping the quality of dried lavender. Using airtight containers to protect dried lavender from external elements will preserve the fragrance and therapeutic properties. When stored properly dried lavender can last up to 10 years and be a long term source of relaxation and pleasure. Rejuvenating the scent of dried lavender by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil will extend its aromatic life so you can continue to enjoy the benefits. Whether used in cooking, therapeutic applications or home decor dried lavender is a versatile and beloved herb.
