The Australian Lavender Industry promotes the use of Lavender wherever possible.

The Australian Lavender Industry is responsible for creating ‘A Taste of Lavender’ Competition held in conjunction with the Riverina Institute of TAFE Wagga Wagga Campus.

The Competition invited hospitality students in one category and chefs/cooks in a second category to create and present an innovative three and four course menu using lavender and regional produce.

Judges of the calibre of Matthew Evans and Sheridan Rogers generously gave their time to travel to Wagga Wagga and act as industry judges for the competitors. Wagga Wagga Catering is to be congratulated for being at the forefront for organisational help and sponsorship.

The Competition introduced Lavender as another ingredient to the catering industry and the students in particular who will become the future players in the restaurant field.

Many of the entries by the students were very well researched and Lavender was used in their recipes in novel and innovative ways. The overall standard of the student entries was exceptional.

Competition reinforced that Lavender can be incorporated in recipes to add another taste to a dish that is either a reworked standard recipe or a new creation of flavours.