Lavender is a wild-growing shrub plant that was even
popular among the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Latin name is "Lavandula Angustifolia" and it grows up to 60 cm in height. There are
30 lavender species worldwide, which differ in growth or flower colour. Special for its intense fragrance and the bright violet flowers, it adds a Mediterranean touch to any garden.
In Croatia,
lavender grows all along the coast and in the inland. The most ideal place for planting it is in a
sunny spot protected from the wind. It can survive for a long time without water and can even withstand low winter temperatures down to minus 15 degrees. The
flowering period starts between the beginning of July and the end of August and it should be pruned twice a year, in spring and summer. The plant provides food for bumblebees, bees and butterflies. With its
essential oils it keeps pests away and thus diseases are very rare.
Especially in
the cosmetics industry, the essential oils of the plant are valued for their
healing properties. Used in
skin care, facial cleansing and aromatherapy, the flowers have a calming, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect and promote cell growth. It is also used by perfumers.
Lavender is also
often used laundry cleaning. Scented
sachets are filled with dried lavender flowers that
protect against moths. It is also
used to make tea that helps with indigestion, muscle cramps and colds. The plant even
helps with headaches and supports healing processes. You can easily prepare lavender tea yourself. To do this, add 2 teaspoons of lavender flowers to 250 ml of boiled water. Let this steep for 10 minutes and then filter out the flowers.
Lavender contains essential oil, cineole, coumarin, tannins and flavonoids. In gastronomy,
the leaves and flowers are used to flavour roasts, soups or sauces. It even goes well with various types of cheese. It is also used to refine desserts such as chocolate mousse, panacotta, tarts and much more. The aroma gives the dishes an exciting note. You should only be careful when seasoning, as the aroma is very intense. The flower is a real eye-catcher as a decoration for dishes!
The magical
lavender field in the excursion town of Pekici in Central Istria is definitely worth a visit. In the endless field you will wonder if you have not reached the Provence. The
picturesque sight will take your breath away. The field belongs to a
family involved in agriculture who have planted 36 thousand seedlings there. They use the lavender for oil production, souvenirs, sachets, hydrolate, soap and much more.
Discover the secrets of lavender in Croatia while enjoying your holiday with your family in
one of our villas with pool! Let yourself be inspired by the variety of gorgeous lavender, plant some yourself and turn your balcony or garden into a little oasis! Forget about boring souvenirs and present your loved ones at home with a lavender souvenir from your holiday in Croatia.
Valentina Novak
29.03.2021
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
