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The secrets of lavender harvesting in Provence: flowering and benefits!
Lavandula (lavender) is an aromatic Mediterranean plant grown in Provence. Its flowers, in a thousand and one shades of violet-blue, give off a delicate, intoxicating fragrance with many benefits.
Lavender fields bloom in July, bringing an explosion of color and fragrance to the Provencal landscape.
All lavenders are melliferous plants, i.e. highly sought-after by bees.
Lavender was already used by the Romans to preserve linen and perfume baths. In Provence, lavender was used in the Middle Ages to make perfumes and medicines, but it was not until the 19th century that its cultivation began to flourish.
Different types of lavender :
- Fine lavender or true lavender (Lavandula augustifolia). It grows naturally in the garrigue of Provence at altitudes of 800 to 1,400 meters. It is a shrub about 50 cm high, with a single flower spike per stem.
- Lavender aspic (Lavandula latifolia). Larger, with broader leaves and several short spikes per stem. Found at lower altitudes, it blooms earlier, starting in June.
- Lavandin (Lavandula latifolia X officinalis). This is a cross between the two previous species. It cannot reproduce naturally and must be cut. Growing at altitudes of between 200 and 800 meters, it is 60 to 80 cm high and its spikes are very dense, unlike those of fine lavender. It is the most common species in southern France (80% of cultivated areas).
Focus on the differences between lavender and lavandin:
These two plants from the Lamiaceae family are grown in the same way.
Despite their visual and botanical proximity, lavandin, which is taller and more branched, has a stronger, more camphoraceous scent, whereas the single spikes of true lavender give off a more floral, more delicate fragrance.
Lavandin is a natural hybrid resulting from a cross between two wild species, "fine" lavender and "Aspic" lavender. It generally flowers 15 days after lavender.
Tip for recognizing a field of lavandin: because its flowers are cloned, lavandin is uniform in color with large, regular clumps, whereas a field of lavender offers shades of blue-violet.
True lavender, with its more subtle scent, provides a high-quality essential oil.
On the other hand, both lavender and lavandin can benefit from an organic label.
Folies de Provence produces its lavender in Provence:
All our lavender flowers come from Provence (France). From manufacturing to the finished product, everything is designed in our beautiful region.
Harvesting process and period :
The process involves several phases: harvesting, selection, drying, manufacturing and marketing.
At Folies de Provence, we use automated harvesting.
Harvesting takes place from mid to late July, and a little later on the higher ground.
Because of the various phases that follow the harvest (sorting, drying, etc.), 2022 lavender will only be available from November or December, by the time it is ready to be sold in our three stores: Moustier Sainte Marie, Arles and Aix-en-Provence.
Lavender distillation at Folies de Provence :
Before distillation, the lavender must be dried to lose some of the water contained in the plant.
The lavender flowers are then soaked in a still.
We carry out a dry distillation (a process designed to purify a solid or separate it into its various constituents), which is more qualitative and therefore yields a purer final product.
We choose to use this process in particular for the production of our essential oils (a purer but also more concentrated lavender oil).
Lavender hydrosol or floral water:
Lavender Hydrolat is simply Fine Lavender Floral Water.
Enriched with the aromatic active ingredients found in fine lavender essential oil, it has calming and soothing properties.
It heals and softens sensitive, delicate and tight skin, and purifies oily skin.
It can be used to prepare lotions and masks. It is also ideal for treating oily hair and scalps, and can be used as a lice repellent.
Properties and benefits of lavender :
In ancient times, the Romans used it for its fragrance and therapeutic qualities. Today, lavender is one of the most appreciated medicinal plants in phytotherapy, notably for nervousness, digestive and joint problems.
Internal use*
- Slight narcotic effect (coumarin): insomnia, hysteria, nervous disorders.
- Anti-spasmodic effect, thanks to esters contained in the plant.
- Digestive disorders: difficult digestion due to stress or nervousness, ulcerations.
- Respiratory disorders: colds, asthma. Soothes dizziness.
- Cardiovascular disorders: calms the onset of angina pectoris.
- Treatment of migraines and headaches.
External use*
- Relieves certain skin conditions: eczema, acne, minor burns, psoriasis, insect bites.
- Heals and sanitizes wounds and ulcers.
- Joint pain: sprains, strains, bruises and rheumatism.
- Anti-venomous action on viper bites.
- Anti-parasitic (lice) and deworming action.
Usual therapeutic indications*
- Dermatological problems (bactericide, antiseptic).
- Joint and rheumatic pain.
- Respiratory irritation and/or inflammation.
- Nervousness, anxiety, anguish.
- Insomnia: promotes sleep.
Other proven therapeutic indications*
- An effective bactericide and antiseptic, it purifies wounds and skin ulcers. See our sanitizing and purifying spray for the home.
- Anti-parasitic, it eliminates lice. See our anti-lice and nit shampoo.
- Neutralizes venom in viper bites.
- Its essential oil is used in massage therapy. See our relaxing massage oil with lavender essential oil.
*Source: doctissimo.fr
NB: Our lavenders can also be eaten as food.
Recipe idea based on edible lavender:
Used in sweet and savory recipes, lavender blends beautifully.
Desserts, sauces, cocktails... There are so many ways to treat your taste buds.
Greek yoghurt cake with lavender honey
Simple, quick and delicious...
Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 40 min at 160° C
Ingredients:
180g flour, 1 Greek yoghurt, 1 pot lavender honey, 3 pots flour, 3 eggs, 1/2 pot oil, 1 sachet baking powder and 1 pinch salt.
Greek yogurt and lavender honey cake recipe :
Preheat oven to 160°C (gas mark 5 or 6).
Mix the Greek yoghurt and honey in a bowl.
Add the flour, baking powder and pinch of salt, then the eggs and oil.
Mix vigorously until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a buttered baking tin.
Bake for around 40 min, keeping an eye on the baking time. The cake is ready when the blade of a knife inserted in it comes out dry.
Leave to cool before unmolding.
Find below a selection of our lavender-based products:
Lavender-based products made by Folies de Provence :
