The Lavender Companion: Enjoy the Aroma, Flavor, and Health Benefits of This Classic Herb

• Author: Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham
• Genre: Nonfiction
• Publication Date: May 28, 2024
• Publisher: Storey Publishing

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A celebration of lavender featuring stunning photographs; favorite recipes for the kitchen, pantry, and body care products; along with fascinating lore and gardening guidance from a destination lavender farm.

Lavender has long been a favorite herb with its amazing, resinous fragrance; calming qualities; and unique flavor for seasoning food. This lavishly photographed celebration of the beloved herb, written by an acclaimed lavender farmer and cooking instructor, is brimming over with inspiration and ideas for bringing the fragrance and flavor of lavender into daily life. The book profiles the most popular lavender varieties and their recommended uses, along with the history, lore, and traditional medicinal uses. More than 40 recipes showcase lavender in delicious dishes from the kitchen as well homemade craft and body products. Tips for success with lavender in the garden complete this perfect gift for every lavender lover.

If you’ve been following my blog for any period of time, you might have noticed that I have an interest in “witchy” or New Age topics. I like to read books about tarot, candle magic, tea magic, crystals, herbs, runes, and essential oils. Part of this is because I like to create custom-made self care products for my friends using essential oils, like sugar scrubs and beard oils. Everyone raves about them, and I not only like to make them, I also like to know that other people enjoy the scents and the effects. So I’m always on the lookout to learn more about the plants I’m incorporating.

To start with, I have to say that this book has so many gorgeous photographs throughout. The clarity and detail that is shown in the pictures is amazing, and I was so happy to see that the things discussed in nearly every sections had a photograph attached to demonstrate what the author was talking about. It was nice to be able to visualize what I had just read, to ensure that I understood. I also loved that the author talked about the scientific properties of the plant, and referenced peer-reviewed studies to back up medical claims, but also included information about how it was used in the past, since it has such a long documented history of use.

I never realized how many different varieties of lavender there are, and that certain types are better for certain purposes, such as baking or essential oils. The author is a lavender farmer, and their love for their farm and lavender shines through these pages, so that this book reads like a love letter to this versatile plant. In these pages, there are ideas on using lavender to create crafts, recipes, drinks, and different beauty products. Included is even a chapter on how to grow your own lavender, as well as how to harvest and dry it.

There are plenty of amazing ideas for things to do with lavender in this book, and I found myself bookmarking nearly every single one. This is a book that I’ll be returning to again and again, whether it is to double-check some information or to try out one of the ideas or recipes. Some of the recipes sounded really good, while some others sounded a bit quirky but still something I’d be willing to try. And the lavender margarita and lavender honey are on my list to try first!

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