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You can make lavender extract quickly by using heat to speed up the infusion process that normally takes weeks.
Instead of letting lavender steep in oil or alcohol for a month or more, you apply gentle heat to pull out those wonderful aromatics in just a couple of hours.
It’s a game changer when you want to make lavender extract fast for baking, DIY skincare, or homemade cleaning products.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make lavender extract quickly using a few different methods, plus tips for getting the best results every time.
Let’s dive in.
How to Make Lavender Extract Quickly Using Heat
The fastest way to make lavender extract is by applying gentle heat to a mixture of lavender buds and your chosen solvent.
This shortcut method works because heat encourages the plant’s oils and compounds to release faster into the liquid.
Here’s how to make lavender extract quickly with this approach:
1. Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
To make lavender extract fast, you’ll need dried lavender buds, a solvent like vodka, glycerin, or oil, and a heat source.
Dried buds work better than fresh ones because fresh lavender contains moisture that can cause spoilage.
For the solvent, food-grade alcohol like vodka is a popular choice because it extracts flavor and scent efficiently.
If you prefer an alcohol-free version, vegetable glycerin or a light oil like sweet almond oil works great too.
2. Combine Lavender and Solvent
Place about one cup of dried lavender buds into a clean glass jar.
Pour two cups of your chosen solvent over the buds until they’re fully submerged.
Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated, then seal the jar.
This ratio gives you a concentrated lavender extract quickly without diluting the final product too much.
3. Apply Gentle Heat
Now comes the part that makes lavender extract quickly instead of slowly.
You have two main options here: a double boiler or a slow cooker.
If using a double boiler, place the sealed jar in simmering water and let it sit for about two hours, checking occasionally.
For a slow cooker, set it to the lowest heat setting, place the jar inside, and add water around it to create a warm bath.
Let it warm for two to three hours, and you’ll have lavender extract ready in a fraction of the usual time.
4. Strain and Store
Once the mixture has cooled, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Squeeze the buds to get every last drop of that fragrant liquid.
Pour your finished lavender extract into a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
When you make lavender extract this way, it stays potent for up to a year.
Other Quick Methods to Make Lavender Extract
If you don’t have time for even a two-hour simmer, there are other ways to make lavender extract quickly.
These alternatives are perfect when you need lavender extract fast for a last-minute recipe or project.
1. Use a Sous Vide Machine
A sous vide cooker lets you make lavender extract quickly by maintaining a precise, low temperature.
Set it to around 140°F and let your lavender and solvent mixture steep for about an hour.
This method is gentle enough to preserve the delicate floral notes while still speeding things up.
2. Try the Microwave Method
For the absolute fastest results, you can make lavender extract in the microwave.
Combine lavender and alcohol in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts.
Repeat three to four times, stirring between each interval, then strain.
Just be careful not to overheat, as boiling can ruin the delicate aroma.
3. Use an Instant Pot
An Instant Pot on the yogurt setting creates a warm, controlled environment perfect for making lavender extract quickly.
Place your jar inside with water around it and let it sit for about an hour.
This is one of the easiest ways to make lavender extract fast without babysitting the process.
Tips for Making Lavender Extract Quickly
Here are a few pointers to help you make lavender extract that’s both fast and high quality.
1. Choose the Right Lavender
English lavender and French lavender are both excellent choices for making lavender extract.
Make sure the buds are dried, not fresh, and preferably organic so you’re not extracting pesticides along with the good stuff.
2. Don’t Overheat
Heat speeds things up, but too much heat destroys the delicate compounds that give lavender its lovely scent.
Keep temperatures low and steady when you make lavender extract quickly.
3. Test Your Extract
After making lavender extract, do a quick smell and taste test.
It should have a strong floral aroma.
If it seems weak, you can repeat the process with fresh lavender buds and the same liquid to concentrate it further.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Extract Quickly?
You can make lavender extract quickly by using gentle heat to speed up the infusion process.
Whether you use a double boiler, slow cooker, sous vide, or even a microwave, you can have homemade lavender extract ready in just a couple of hours.
Just remember to use dried lavender buds, choose a quality solvent, and keep your temperatures low.
With these methods, making lavender extract quickly is totally doable, and you’ll never have to wait weeks for that beautiful floral flavor and scent again.