Spicy bed: lavender in daily life
Housewives are increasingly incorporating a wide variety of spices and seasonings into their home cooking. Fortunately, the selection available on supermarket shelves continues to grow.
Spices and herbs not only enhance the flavor and aroma of dishes but also add visual appeal to outdoor spaces. Many of these plants feature vibrant foliage and striking flowers, making them excellent choices for gardens, vegetable patches, and balconies.
One particularly attractive herb is lavender.
Lavender is a semi-shrub that can reach heights of 60 to 90 cm. It has a deep woody root system that stabilizes it in the soil. There are around 30 different species of lavender, and its leaves vary in size, typically measuring between 2.5 to 6 cm in length and about 4 cm in width.
The plant’s beauty is highlighted by its flower stalks, which are composed of spikelets filled with small flowers. These flowers can come in various colors, including white, pink, blue, purple, and violet.
The blooming period begins in mid-June and lasts until August. By fall, the plant produces small round nuts as its fruit.
Lavender, along with other herbs such as marjoram, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, and sage, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The name "Lavandula" comes from the Latin word "lava," which means "to wash." This plant has been cultivated since ancient times.
The Greeks and Romans used lavender in baths and for washing linens. Egyptians utilized parts of the lavender plant, along with the essential oil extracted from it, during the embalming process.
Archeologists have discovered that even after more than 3,000 years, the strong scent of lavender was still present in the tombs of pharaohs.
In Medieval Europe, during a time of witch hunts, people believed that lavender could protect them from negative supernatural influences.
They considered it to have magical properties and often hung small bunches of lavender by their doors or carried bouquets with them to ward off evil spirits. It was also thought to be a "flower of love," used to enhance love spells and induce prophetic dreams.
Today, lavender is cultivated on a large scale in Bulgaria. The lavender harvested is processed to extract essential oil and create various medicines. Gardeners and hobbyists also enjoy growing lavender in their own gardens.
Beekeepers value lavender because it is an excellent source of nectar for honey bees. Lavender honey is known for its unique scent and exceptional healing properties. The continued use and appreciation of lavender highlight not only its culinary benefits but also its rich historical significance and versatility.