How to Pick Dried Lavender Buds

Lavender belongs to the mint family.

Lavender is the common name for the herbs and shrubs of the genus Lavandula. Lavender flowers grow on slender spikes and come in varying shades of purple. Harvesters cut stalks of lavender after the blooms open, then allow them to dry. People have used dried lavender buds for centuries as a perfume, potpourri and even a food seasoning. Once the flowers have completely dried, they are ready for use. Collect the buds carefully to avoid wasting any of these fragrant blooms. Does this Spark an idea?

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Bundle of dried lavender
Pillowcase

Instructions

- 1
  
  Examine the dried lavender to verify that it is dried to the consistency you desire. The average drying time for lavender is two to three weeks.
- 2
  
  Place the still bundled lavender inside a pillowcase. Place the lavender carefully all the way at the bottom.
- 3
  
  Roll up the pillowcase starting from the bottom. Continue to roll until the entire pillowcase is rolled up.
- 4
  
  Tie the pillowcase in the center with a rubber band. Roll the pillowcase back and forth on a clean countertop or table. This loosens the buds from the stem.
- 5
  
  Remove the rubber band from the outside of the pillowcase and unroll it. Remove the bare stalks and collect the loose flower buds from the bottom of the pillowcase.