With succulent blueberries and fragrant lavender both in season, I thought it would be the perfect time to try a recipe of infused blueberries with lavender and just a hint of lemon. To do this, I gave them double treatment of compression and gentle cooking in the Anova sous vide machine. Compressing is the process of intensifying the flavors of the fruit by eliminating the air around it and compressing the ingredients added into the fruit. Sous vide adds an extra boost to the process by gently warming and releasing the essential oils in the lavender and lemon zest, while allowing the berry to retain its whole shape. The process was super easy and the result was a delicate and lovely warm blueberry, slightly tangy and floral, like nature’s candy. They were delicious both warm and chilled; my kids and I both just loved them! If you decide to give this recipe a try, be sure to use organic untreated lavender. Other interesting herbs to try with this technique might be lemon thyme or rosemary. These lavender compressed blueberries can be a fun and flavorful element to top wild salmon, waffles, cheesecake, angel food cake, or to be added to an antipasti spread with sharp cheeses. Or just have them on their own as a healthy snack.
Ronna O'Toole