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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Lavender is a fragrant, flowering shrub that grows upwards of three feet in height and can grow outwards up to four feet when space allows. Its stems are woody, with leaf stalks more malleable – the leaves growing in pairs opposite each other along the stalk. Lavender’s soft-textured, grey-green or silver-green leaves are long and needle-like, becoming a true green when mature. During the summer months, small flowers bloom in spikes at the top of tall stems, rising above the fragrant foliage. Lavender flowers range in color from a pale, bluish-purple to a deep indigo blue depending on the variety; some cultivars have pink flowers. The scent of Lavender is sweet, floral and citrusy, and is said to have hints of balsamic and eucalyptus. The fragrance of the leaves and flowers is released when the plant is brushed against or crushed.
Seasons/Availability
Lavender is available during the summer months.
Current Facts
All varieties of Lavender fall under the Lavandula genus of flowering plants, in the mint (Lamiaceae) family. There are at least one hundred Lavender varieties and hybrids in existence, the most common variety used for both essential oils and culinary applications is Lavandula angustifolia, or English Lavender. The Lavandula species has 39 recognized varieties. Most Lavender is propagated from cuttings taken directly from mother plants, ensuring an exact replication of the variety.
Nutritional Value
The compounds in Lavender that give the herb its unique scent, also provide the medicinal benefits the plant is well known for. Lavender contains terpenes, phytochemical compounds responsible for aroma, like linalool, cineol, and limonene. These compounds, along with flavonoids, alcohols and some 100 other constituents, give Lavender its antiseptic, sedative, anti-nausea, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Applications
Lavender is most often used as a condiment, added to dishes to enhance the flavor, just like a spice. Lavender can be used as a garnish for tarts, ice cream, sorbets and beverages. Fresh Lavender flowers are used in sauces, marinades and desserts. Chop the flowers and mix into soft cheeses like goat or cream cheese. Give buttercream a floral scent by adding crushed or chopped fresh flowers. Infuse milk for ice cream by adding sprigs of Lavender as the milk is warming. The same method can be applied when making jams, jellies, syrups or custards. Dried flowers and stems can retain their fragrance for months. The dry blossoms are fragile, and are most often used in teas, bath salts, potpourri, and sachets. The dried stems can be used as skewers for fruit or as stir-sticks in cocktails. Fresh Lavender can be kept for up to ten days if kept dry and cool.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Since ancient times, Lavender has been used for medicinal purposes to relieve headaches and insomnia. Lavender is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety. The herb was used by the Romans to scent their public baths. The Latin name Lavandula comes from the word ‘lavare’, “to wash,” referring to its use in the Roman baths. The species name angustifolia means “having narrow leaves.”
Geography/History
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region: from Spain, through the south of France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Northern Africa. Lavender was originally identified and classified by Carl Linnaeus as Lavandula officinalis, the “officinalis” epithet reflects the established medicinal and culinary qualities of the herb. Synonyms for the plant include: Lavandula vera, and Lavandula spicata, and Lavandula stoechas. These synonyms are also referred to as Fine Lavender, Spanish Lavender and German Lavender, respectively. It is said that L. angustifolia earned the name “English Lavender” for its ability to grow well in the English climate. Lavender is hardy, and can withstand heat and drought. It grows best in very sunny areas, where the soil isn’t too wet and slightly rocky. Flowers and foliage varies widely depending on climate, soil, and amount of sun received. The English likely brought Lavender to the United States, however, it doesn’t grow as well as in Europe. Recently, Lavender farms have been established in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, though most Lavender is still commercially grown in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Moniker Coffee Company | San Diego CA | 541-450-2402 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Maretalia Ristorante Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Bean Bar | San Diego CA | 503-704-6573 |
| Bottega Italiana-UTC | San Diego CA | 858-404-0799 |
| Trident Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-246-9316 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| Snooze - La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-483-5556 |
| Misadventure & Co. | Vista CA | 413-668-6895 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Park & Rec | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Pop Pie Co. | San Diego CA | 619-900-4743 |
| Lucky Bolt | San Diego CA | 917-969-9500 |
| insideOUT (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| International Smoke Del Mar | San Diego CA | 702-683-7590 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Ciro's - Market SB, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-696-0946 |
| Galaxy Taco | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Studio Kitchen - Day Crew Dining (EDR) | ||
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 619-501-5505 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-640-0494 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Pantai Inn | La Jolla CA | 858-224-7600 |
| Parakeet café | La Jolla CA | 619-578-1040 |
| Gelato 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-487-5272 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-637-2222 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Sidebar - Market SB, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-696-0946 |
| Bankers Hill Bar | San Diego CA | 619-231-0222 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lavender. One
is easiest,
three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Lavender using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 2 days ago, 8/18/19 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country fresh herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 136 days ago, 4/07/19 
Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market
Near Coronado, California, United StatesAbout 168 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market. Baby bunches of perfumed lavender. 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United States818-345-8810 About 191 days ago, 2/10/19 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 221 days ago, 1/12/19 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United States818-345-8810 About 233 days ago, 12/30/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 235 days ago, 12/29/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 242 days ago, 12/22/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Terra Madre Gardens
Near San Diego, California, United States, Escondido 760-888-7640 About 247 days ago, 12/16/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 254 days ago, 12/09/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 256 days ago, 12/08/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 263 days ago, 12/01/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Fat Cat Organics, Cullman AL Near Cullman, Alabama, United States About 368 days ago, 8/17/18 
Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market
About 409 days ago, 7/07/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market. 
Del Mar Farmers Market
About 416 days ago, 6/30/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Del Mar Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
About 417 days ago, 6/30/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Vista Farmers Market
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near Vista, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 424 days ago, 6/23/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Poway Farmers Market
About 445 days ago, 6/02/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Poway Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Farmers Market
Gilbert And Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-3048 About 445 days ago, 6/02/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Farmers Market. 
Brentwood Farmers Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United States818-345-8810 About 513 days ago, 3/25/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Brentwood Farmers Market. Smells great! 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
David Madre
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 528 days ago, 3/11/18 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 613 days ago, 12/16/17 Sharer's comments : Lavender spotted at Little Italy Mercato. |
