Top Techniques for Drying and Storing English Lavender for Year-Round Use

English lavender, with its lovely, legendary fragrance and timeless appeal, is nothing short of an herb with almost mythical versatility. Imagine locking in this botanical jewel's scents at the height of flower bloom, holding fragrances and colors within every minute detail of the delicate flowers. Drying lavender flowers is an artistic yet practical way to enjoy the scent of those flowers long after summer has passed. Properly storing English lavender keeps its very soothing, fresh scents for many months. Whether it is for teas, sachets, or creative endeavors in aromatic crafts, learning how to preserve the lavender ensures that this becomes a lasting treasure.

Best Methods of Harvesting for the Best-Quality Dried Lavender

Lavender preservation begins with an impeccable timing harvest. For the capture of full potential, best time for picking English lavender flowers is just when the buds are formed and before they bloom. Then the flowers will keep their precious fragrance-holding essential oils. For stems of the cutting flowers of the English lavender, use sharp shears when it's still morning and dew dries up but before warming up sun. Taper the stems slightly and loosely tie them together-overcrowding may damage the flowers and impede the drying process, so let each stem's natural elegance remain intact.

Methods of Drying English Lavender Flowers

Each drying method has its advantages, depending on your patience, resources, and desired outcome:

• Air Drying: Sometimes, the best method is a simple one. A time-tested method for drying lavender flowers is to air dry them. Simply tie bundled stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry room with good air circulation. The lack of light will help preserve the flower's color, while any air flow will also help prevent the buildup of moisture. This requires patience—about one to two weeks—but this is a classic, low-maintenance method for anyone who appreciates the organic process.

• Oven Drying: For those in a hurry, oven drying is something to be relied on. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible (100-110°F). Spread the lavender in one layer on a baking sheet and leave the oven partially open. You do need to monitor oven-dried lavender since the plant dries too quickly to watch for burning-that will weaken the preserved lavender scent. Keep checking every few minutes or so until the lavender is completely dry, which usually takes about an hour.

• Dehydrator Drying: A food dehydrator is pretty terrific with its temperature control, ensuring consistency in a result. Just spread out your lavender evenly and set your dehydrator to around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. Dehydrating takes several hours but ensures that it is fully and uniformly dry, and this method is especially useful when using larger amounts.

Preparing Lavender to Store Once It Has Been Dried

Storing dried lavender requires some caution when preparing. Try snapping a few of the stems. This is known as the "snap test," and it is a good way to know that your lavender has dried completely. Many like to remove the flower heads before storing since the most potent oils lie within them. Handle with care: dried lavender can be brittle, and the inside of the box or container must be loosely packed to avoid crushing.

Recommended containers and environments

The proper storage container makes all the difference between having that lavender color and smell. It's best stored in an airtight glass jar or metal tins because it keeps out moisture and external odors. This should be kept in a cool, dark cabinet to maintain it fresher for a longer time. Light and humidity destroy essential oils, making it lose its smell and its color as well. This cautious storing method of English lavender makes it remain fragrant and beautiful with time.

Common problems with dried lavender and what to do to avoid them

Sometimes, even well-dried lavender suffers from poor storage. If flowers had not been dried before their storage, then there must be mold growth. Being exposed to light or air causes discoloration or loss of fragrance. Check your lavender periodically for mold or the fading of fragrance. It's probably time to go fresh again if your lavender no longer has that particular fragrance.

Creative Ways to Utilize Dried Lavender Flowers

Once preserved, it finds its way into daily activities-there is nothing like opening drawers and wardrobes refreshed by the scent of the sachets filled with it. Lavender's potpourri can fill candles, soaps, and homes filled with the soothing and soothing fragrance of lavender or incorporated with other herbs gives off an air of calm as it adds a touch of grandeur to any crafted beauty.

Proper storage allows you to enjoy the fragrance, calming qualities, and beauty of lavender throughout the whole year and adds a soothing peaceful ambiance to any place where you may use it.

 

English Lavender flower from Healing Herbals:

 

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