Ways to Use Lavender, Chamomile, and Lemon Balm

Our tea blend of lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm makes a calming cup of tea, whether hot or iced. But these herbs aren’t only for steeping. Their floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavors work well in baking, desserts, syrups, and more. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite ways to bring this tea blend into your kitchen.

1. Herbal Scones

Ingredients:

• Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 cup butter, frozen

• 1/2 cup buttermilk or heavy cream

• 1 Egg

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 cup berries—fresh or frozen

Instructions:

1. Remove chamomile buds, lavender leaves, and lemon balm leaves from the stems. Finely chop all three. Mix the dry ingredients and herbs in a bowl.

2. Grate frozen butter into the bowl using a box grater (or cut into cubes before freezing).

3. Mix butter into flour mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingertips until crumbly with pea-sized butter pieces. Chill mixture in the fridge while preparing the rest.

4. Whisk together buttermilk/cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour over flour mixture and fold gently with a spatula. Add berries if using.

5. Shape dough into an 8-inch round and cut into wedges, or scoop into about 10 rounds for drop scones. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. (Optional) Brush with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

7. Bake at 425°F until golden.

Tips: Keep the dough cool and avoid overmixing for light, crumbly scones. Chill shaped scones for 10–15 minutes before baking if possible.

2. White Wine Poached Pears

Ingredients:

• 4–5 pears

• 1 1/2 cups white wine

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 sprigs each lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm

• Optional: Vanilla bean ice cream

Instructions:

1. In a pan, bring white wine, honey, and sugar to a simmer.

2. Halve pears, scoop out seeds, and place cut-side down in liquid. Poach 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook 5–6 more. Remove pears.

3. Reduce liquid for 20 minutes until syrupy.

4. Return pears, add herbs, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Cook until coated in syrup.

5. Serve with vanilla ice cream, olive oil drizzle, and flaky salt.

Note: For a non-alcoholic option, use 1 cup Earl Grey tea + 1/2 cup water instead of wine.

3. Compound Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (2 sticks) butter

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm (about 1 tsp of each, finely chopped)

Instructions:

1. Soften butter at room temperature.

2. Remove herbs from stems, finely chop, and mix into butter with salt.

3. Use immediately or roll in parchment and chill for slicing.

Ways to use it:

• Baste roasted chicken or lamb.

• Mix with oil and honey, then roast with root vegetables.

• Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones.

• Swap for plain butter in crumbles, crisps, or cakes.

4. Floral Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar (or honey)

• Whole sprigs of lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm

Instructions:

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil.

2. Remove from heat and add herbs. Steep for 10 minutes (don’t over-steep or syrup may turn bitter).

3. Strain, cool, and refrigerate.

Ways to use it:

• Stir into cocktails or lemonade.

• Sweeten popsicles or iced tea.

• Brush over cakes and pastries.

• Whisk into vinaigrettes or marinades.

Area 2 Farms for Locals

Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. At Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh organic produce within 10 miles of you.