Friday, June 5, 2015

Culinary Lavender Recipes 1: Lavender Sea Salt and Pepper Encrusted Steaks

Did you know that lavender can be used in elegant, delectable meals? Most people aren't aware that lavender can be used in foods other than candy and gum.  Lavender can add a very floral, light and sweet taste to meat and vegetables. One of our newest products, lavender sea salt, is a must for every great chef’s spice cabinet.  This amazing spice blend is perfect on meats of all kinds. One of our favorite recipes here at IslandLavender.com is for lavender sea salt and pepper encrusted steaks. In order to cook this unique, mouth-watering dish, you’ll need:

2 8oz sirloin steak –make sure to take steaks out the refrigerator a half-hour before cooking.  Feel free to use any cut of beef you like, but we recommend using a sirloin.

2 T. of Island Lavender’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil— after patting steaks dry, massage 1 tablespoon onto each steak.

1 ½ t. of Island Lavender’s Lavender Sea Salt—put half of the Lavender Sea Salt onto each steak. And let sit for 15 minutes.

1 t. of freshly ground black pepper—put an equal amount of fresh ground pepper onto each steak.

1 minced glove of garlic—finely mince garlic and rub onto both steaks.

½ cup of red wine—after all ingredients have been added to the steaks, gently coat each steak with you choice of a dry red wine. Just remember not to add too much!

1 T. of unsalted butter—once steaks are fully seasoned, it is time to cook. We recommend using a cast iron skillet over high heat. Place the steaks and butter in the hot skillet and do not move for 30 seconds, then use tongs to flip and cook another 30 seconds. Transfer skillet to a 500 degree oven and cook for 2 minutes and flip the steaks and cook for another 2 minutes for medium rare. Add another minute to each side for medium. Feel free to use any method you enjoy, but we love the skillet because of the delicious coating the pepper, lavender sea salt, and wine creates.

Cooking with lavender is one thing all new and experienced chefs must try! Your taste buds will never be the same again. Shop online at IslandLavender.com and find amazing culinary products to help you create unforgettable meals for family and friends. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Benefits of Using Lavender on Your Skin

The scent of lavender is something that isn't easily forgotten. It is an extraordinary treat for the nose. The scent is beautiful. The scent is remarkably relaxing. It is something that is truly unique.  For centuries, Lavender has been used to enhance the scent and feel of the air we breathe and the bodies we inhabit. This magical aromatic plant was used by the ancient Greeks as a holy herb in the making of the highly valued perfume, spikenard. In addition, the Romans actually used lavender to freshen their baths, beds, and hair. This isn't a surprising occurrence.  The word “lavender” can be etymologically traced back to the Latin ‘lavare’, which means “to wash.”  Aside from its heavenly scent, do you know why lavender has been used in skin and bath products for so long? The main reason is due to the amazing effects it can have on the skin. Some of the major skin benefits include:

The treatment of acne—do you suffer from acute acne? Lavender can help smooth and tame those pesky skin irritations. Try a face wash or body soap that contains lavender oil.

The treatment of eczema—experiencing dry, itchy, damaged skin? Lavender bath products can help hydrate your skin when you eczema flairs up.

The treatment of burns—lavender is a very soothing ingredient. Many skins products that contain it can actually help heal and aid minor burns.

When you want to keep your body smelling and feeling great, there’s nothing better than lavender skin products.  Discover the amazing differences of using lavender bath products in your daily routine. We guarantee that you won’t regret it.  Shop online today at IslandLavender.com to find the perfect product to aid your skin!

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Lavender Fragrance Home Goods




Love the lavender fragrance as much as we do? IslandLavender.com carries home goods that enable you to fill your home with the succulent aroma of lavender! There are several products to choose from: fragrance oils, candles, diffusers, dryer bags, and room spray, just to name a few.


Essential and Diffusing Oils

Our therapeutic-grade pure essential lavender oil is perfect for relaxation and stress-relief. Whether it’s for you or a friend, this oil will be sure to calm and soothe the mind. There is also a lavender chamomile fragrance available which offers a crisp aroma also to combat stress. In addition to home uses such as showers or baths, these oils can be used with a diffuser to fill the home with this fresh fragrance.





Candles and Sprays

For the candle lovers, Island Lavender carries both jar candles and wax melts. The scents range from citrus lavender to lavender eucalyptus. If burning candles is not your thing, our lavender room sprays are perfect for neutralizing odors in the home. They are made from the pure essential lavender oil, jojoba, coconut and olive oils plus rosemary extract.


Dryer Bags

When you want to have your laundry come out of the dryer smelling clean an all-natural way, dryer bags are the way to go. These fabric bags are filled with hand-harvested lavender buds. Not only will they leave your laundry smelling clean, they will eliminate static cling throughout the winter months. Each bag lasts for 30 to 40 dryer cycles!


Discover the difference of using lavender fragrances in your day to day life. Shop online today at IslandLavender.com to find aromatic home goods for your household and for a friend’s!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Cooking with Lavender

Lavender offers plenty of uses; some uses that may be not as widely known. In addition to its aromatherapy and soothing functionality, lavender can be used on the kitchen, too. That’s right, cooking with lavender can enhance the flavor of just about any dish that you prepare! IslandLavender.com carries a variety of options to incorporate into your meals. Here are a few of the spices available:

Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence typically contains herbs such as marjoram, oregano, rosemary, savory and thyme. But more commonly in the American market, this blend also has a touch of lavender. The earthy blend can be used to flavor foods such as chicken, fish and meat. The mixture can be added during the cooking or beforehand to infuse the flavor into the food.

Lavender Coriander Rub

Containing lavender mixed with sea salt and coriander seeds, this rub is best used on meats and vegetables. If canning foods is your forte, this rub may be used as a spice during the canning process as well. The coriander seeds offer a warm and nutty citrus flavor. The lavender offsets the taste, creating a unique and savory seasoning!

Lavender BBQ Rub

If we told you that we could enhance the BBQ flavor you know and love, you might become skeptical. But we’ve added the unique taste of lavender to a BBQ rub that we think you will enjoy. This rub will truly “spice things up” without making them too spicy to bear, Try some of the Lavender BBQ rub on a roasting chicken, ribs, fish, or even a salad. Use a little or use a lot. The possibilities are endless!

With spices from IslandLavender.com, cooking with lavender has never been easier. Browse our selection today to find the perfect seasonings that your family will love!