“A delicate, white mist embraces lavender plants
Whose leaves dance in light Kona winds
From the Lavender Farm”
Lavender & Hawaiian Winter
Image a breathtakingly beautiful place by the sea with lush, fragrant fields of lavender in full bloom. Can you imagine a more idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic or a wedding? You will find such a place in the Upcountry of Maui, at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, located on the slopes of the Haleakala (House of the Sun) crater. The area has a microclimate with tropical sunshine, cool elevation at roughly 4000 feet and rich volcanic soil, ideal for growing lavender. The native Mediterranean plant is drought tolerant, needing little fertilization.
When I traveled to Hawai’i in October for the Les Dames d’ Escoffier annual conference, several Dames made a side trip to the busy farm, a happy place for bees! Around forty-five varieties of lavender grow on 10-1/2 acres, plus olive trees, pineapple patches, hydrangea and bushes filled with blossoms of large, pink protea (shown below). In fact, the area was once a protea farm, much loved by the Japanese. In the summertime, the lavender is a spectacular sight when in full bloom. The wintertime is lovely too.
Horticultural master and agricultural artist, Mr. Ali’i Chang (shown above) is the guardian of this splendor. Everpresent throughout the grounds, you will find him nurturing plants, chatting with guests or conducting tours and lectures. In 2001, Ali’i received a gift of lavender plants from a dear friend, Emma Veary, a noted Hawai’ian singer. From the inspiration of her gift and the memory of his grandmother, Ali’i decided to plant lavender, transforming his acreage into a picturesque landscape – a Monet painting, if you will. There is even a secret garden! Ali’i is said to be quite a legend in Maui, famous for turning farmland into an art form.
To tour the farm, self-guided maps are available if you wish to explore on your own. Guests are invited to wander through the fields, sit and relax and just enjoy being in the moment. Why not enjoy a walking tour and take along a lunch basket with a lavender seasoned chicken wrap, fresh fruit and a lavender-scented brownie. Or, join one of the five daily walking tours. Special lunch or teatime tours are available and also, exclusive group bookings. Children 5 years old and under are free. Whichever tour you choose, breath deeply and take in the intoxicating lavender scent.
The Dames enjoyed an exclusive gold cart tour with Ali’i Chang, which was a memorable experience. During the private tour of the farm, he shared the history and stories that make the place famous. (Cost of the tour if $25.00 per person, limited to five people.)
Royal Tea Service (full service) is available for groups of 20 or more, available for weddings, tea parties and other special events. ($35.00 per person.) The unstructured Mini Tea Service is for at least ten guests and self-serve ($15.00 per person). Take a leisurely tea break any time of day on the tea shop’s lanai, with lavender-scented scones, lavender tea, lavender lilikoi (passionfruit) jelly and lavender honey.
For lunch, dine on a “lavender-inspired” salad, fresh fruit, lavender rolls and refreshing lavender lemonade. ($40.00 per person.) Royal Lunch Service is available for 20 or more guests, and includes a lavender cooking demonstration.
After the tour, visit the charming gallery gift shop, in a rebuilt plantation shed. Over 75 lavender scented bath and body items, apparel, gift cards, tea towels, food and craft items are sold. The Maui Book of Lavender will tell you everything you need to know about lavender, with tips on growing it in your own garden. This beautiful book has lavender-scented endpapers and about 35 delicious recipes featuring lavender. It was penned by farm co-owners, Alii Chang, Lani Medina Weigert and Jill Engledow.
Ali’i farms offers “living” (lavender) wreath-making workshops and beading workshops for groups of ten or more. On Super Saturdays, throughout May, there will be a variety of activities featuring lavender and lavender-scented food tastings.
Lavender has magical qualities that can soothe the spirit. It is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant and a natural pest repellent. Are you familiar with its culinary uses? Check out the tasty recipes below, which feature several culinary products with lavender. If you can’t make the trip to Maui, these products can be ordered online. The spice blends, lavender lilikoi jelly and culinary lavender are especially worth ordering.
The owners of the lavender farm believe they are not just a business, but “a lifestyle, a state of mind. In their brochure, they write, ” Our symbol is the dragonfly also known as “pinao” in Hawaiian, symbolizing personal rebirth and renewal. Our dragonfly is also known for being the first to herald in the spring offering rejuvenation to all living things.
“They also said, “If we can make a positive difference in one person’s life, ………. sitting in a hot bath with Lavender essential oil after a stressful day ………..Lavender Herb Tea curled up with a book ……….., this is the essence of living a Lavender lifestyle. ……We provide the tools people need to find peace amidst chaos. “
MAHALO!
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
1100 Waipoli Road, Kula.
808-878-3004
Photos used by permission by Dame Renie Steves. (Copyright)
Lavender Sugar Cookies
Rich, delectable sugar cookies subtly flavored with culinary lavender.
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1/4 cup C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
5 tablespoons C&H Pure Cane Powdered Sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender, chopped *
1/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoons cold water (egg wash)
1/4 to 1/2 cup C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
Instructions:
In a large bowl, beat butter until pale yellow and fluffy. Gradually add the sugars and beat well. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, Culinary Lavender and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. Roll dough into 2 logs about 1-1/2 inches in diameter and about 12-inches in length. Wrap logs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap chilled dough and brush with egg wash mixture. Roll logs in sugar. Slice dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place one inch apart on baking sheets. Bake until lightly golden around the edges, about 10-12 minutes. Cool completely. Makes 3 dozen.
Recipe from the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
Lavender Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
1 pound Shrimp (16-20 )
2 tablespoons Lavender Gourmet Seasoning *
Olive oil to coat shrimp
2 tablespoons Sambal Thai chili paste
3 tablespoons of honey
1/4 cup of Lavender Vinegar*
1/4 cup of peanut oil (substitute with olive oil if needed)
In a medium size bowl, mix Thai chili paste, honey, vinegar and oil for the dipping sauce. In a large bowl, mix shrimp, gourmet seasoning and coat with olive oil. In a large saute pan, saute shrimp, approximately 5 minutes. Arrange shrimp on a platter with a small ramekin in the middle. Serves 4 people.
Recipe by Chefs Matt and Glenn at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. * Products available from Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm by mail order.
Photos copyright by Renie Steves
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