Drying Lavender

Posted on Tuesday 20th July 2010

It has been awhile since we last did a blog post. We have been very busy throughout the season so far with a number of events taking place at Yorkshire Lavender, but more to come about them soon. At the moment we are currently cutting the lavender for drying. The variety that we use is "Grosso". This is the lavender that is used extensively in Provence, France. "Grosso" is great for drying because it has long stems along with a long spike (the flower head).

We cut the lavender in the morning. This is when the oil is moving up through the stems upto the spikes thus capturing the fragrance. When you are cutting the lavender, you want to cut down to about half an inch above the hard wood, leaving some green growth. This should then encourage new growth from the bottom and stop the lavender plant from going woody.

The weather has been kind to us so far and we have cut hundreds of bunches, all of which have been hung upside down on string lines in some stables.  A pantry or garage at home will do just the job. Drying lavender upside down helps it keep its shape and keeping it in a dark area helps to retain the colour.

Hopefully we will get a few more good days and get the rest cut. Below you can see Jamie & Matthew cutting the lavender into the bunches.