Lavender is a type of flower (tiny little purple buds) and is known and widely used for its calming qualities and sweet smell. It is widely used in cosmetics and also in food, although often in small quantities. When used in food, it is important to ensure the type used is of food grade and suitable for consumption. Lavender is often ground into fine powder before being added to food although it may sometimes be added in full buds form. While lavender buds look purple, when ground into fine powder, the purple color is no longer noticeable and the ground powder is of a brownish and yellowish hue.