While living at the Canary Islands, we have developed an addiction to honey camomile tea. Camomile tea, cherished for its soothing properties and delicate floral flavor, is a timeless herbal infusion. While store-bought tea bags are convenient, there’s nothing quite like brewing tea from fresh or dried camomile flowers you’ve harvested yourself. This guide will walk you through the best practices for harvesting, storing, and serving camomile tea to maximize its flavor and benefits.
Harvesting camomile flowers
When to harvest
- Best time of day: Pick flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its peak. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated.
- Flower maturity: Harvest flowers when the petals are fully open and the center is still flat or slightly raised. Avoid flowers that are wilting or turning brown.
How to Harvest
- Hand-picking: Gently pinch the stem just below the flower head. For German camomile (Matricaria chamomilla), you can also snip the entire stem if you plan to dry the flowers.
- Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners for a clean cut.
- Sustainability: Only harvest about 1/3 of the plant at a time to allow it to continue growing and producing more flowers.
What to Avoid
- Pesticides: Never harvest from plants treated with chemicals. If you’re foraging, ensure the area is free from pesticides and pollution.
- Wet flowers: Avoid picking wet flowers, as moisture can lead to mold during drying.
Drying and Storing Camomile Flowers
Drying Methods
- Air Drying: Spread flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface (like a mesh screen or paper towel) in a well-ventilated, dark, and warm area. Stir occasionally for even drying. This takes 1–2 weeks.
- Oven Drying: For a faster method, spread flowers on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 95–105°F (35–40°C) for 2–4 hours, leaving the door slightly open for airflow.
- Dehydrator: Use the lowest setting (around 95°F/35°C) for 1–4 hours.
When Are They Dry?
Flowers are ready when the petals are crisp and the center is hard. They should crumble easily between your fingers.
Storing Dried Camomile
- Containers: Use airtight glass jars or tins. Avoid plastic, as it can retain moisture.
- Location: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Shelf Life: Properly dried and stored camomile retains its flavor and potency for up to a year.
Tips and Tricks
- Foraging: If you’re wild-harvesting, make sure you’re picking German camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or Roman camomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Avoid look-alikes like feverfew or pineapple weed.
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums), avoid camomile.
- Caffeine-free: Camomile is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great evening drink.
- Health benefits: Known for its calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy camomile tea? Have you ever tried growing or foraging your own flowers?
