How to make Chamomile Tea

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How to make chamomile tea from dried flowers

1. Remove the entire flower head from the stem to harvest the fresh flowers. Wash the chamomile flowers under warm water and pat dry. Fresh flowers are best for making chamomile tea, but using dried flowers is also common. The flowers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Be sure to wrap the petals in a paper towel and store them in an airtight container.

2. If you only want one cup of tea, bring a cup of water to a boil in a pot or tea kettle. The best temperature to brew chamomile is 200°F (93°C). For fresh flower teas, infusion tea kettles are the best option, as they have sections to keep the petals separate from the water. Another alternative is using a tool like a tea ball or cheesecloth as a makeshift teabag. When making tea, use pure or spring water instead of hot tap water to preserve flavors.

3. Put the flower petals in the infuser and let it steep for three to five minutes. To get a stronger flavor, steep the petals for 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Remove the flower petals before pouring the tea into a cup.

How long should you steep chamomile

There is no set length of time that you should steep chamomile for. It all depends on how finely ground the chamomile is as well as how strong you want it. Everyone’s taste preferences are different when it comes to chamomile. You should try different lengths of time to steep for and see which one you prefer.

If you are using whole leaf chamomile tea, the tea should be steeped for 3-5 minutes. If you are using tea bags, it is recommended that they should steep for 2-4 minutes.

If you prefer a stronger flavor of chamomile tea, then play around with steeping for longer. The longest recommended time is 10 minutes.

Loose tea, tea sachets, or tea bags?

Loose Tea

Loose teas are a better option for those who drink a lot of tea. Loose teas can be used to make large batches and purchased in bulk , rather than having to unwrap and prepare individual tea bags. Loose teas usually come in a variety of flavors and blends and are more affordable than tea bags. Loose tea offers more control over the flavor of the tea; if you want a subtler flavor, simply use less tea.

Tea Sachet

A tea sachet is a bag made of thin silk or paper with tea leaves encased in it. The tea sachet is placed in a pot or basin of hot water to steep, like a teabag. Because of the often pyramid-shaped design, sachets allow the contents to expand in the warm water and create a richer tasting tea. These days, tea sachets are popular in restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The downside is there is more waste involved as sachets aren’t usually reusable. There are options for reusable bags however.

Tea Bag

A tea bag is a small piece of paper or fabric filled with tea that is designed for brewing a cup of tea quickly. Teabags are often offered at the checkout counter in grocery stores and are advertised as being fast, convenient, and easy. However, tea is as easy to brew and arguably offers more flavor than loose-leaf teas. Just like tea sachets, tea bags create extra waste, getting thrown away after each use.

Check out the top chamomile tea bag brands we’ve reviewed in this post

How can I make my chamomile tea stronger?

When it comes to tea, there are different ways to make it more potent. For chamomile, adding more of the herb to the water can make it stronger. This will make the tea less sweet and more bitter. If you want to make a stronger tea, it’s best to start by boiling more water to add, then boiling the water again with the chamomile. Doing this will make the tea somewhat more potent. Some might also like to steep for a longer time if they are looking for a stronger drink.

What part of chamomile is used for tea?

The flowers of the chamomile plant are used for making tea. The flowers are picked and dried and then used to make a flavorful and healthy tea.

Types of chamomile tea

There are three major types of chamomile used for tea, Roman, Egyptian, and German. There are many other varieties, but these are the main types used in teas and extracts.

Roman Chamomile

Anthemis Nobilis is also known as Roman Chamomile or English Chamomile. It is a perennial herb native to the western parts of Europe and has thicker grey-green leaves compared to other species of chamomile.

Egyptian Chamomile

Egyptian chamomile is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family that is found in North Africa and the Middle East. The flowers have a sweet smell and a slight apple flavor. Egyptian chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis, digestive problems, and muscle spasms.

German Chamomile

Matricaria Recutita is also known as German Chamomile. It came from Europe, Western Asia and can be grown in North America and Australia. People say that the oil of this variety has anti-inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-oxidant properties. The stem of this chamomile is smoother as compared to Roman chamomile.

How much chamomile tea can I drink a day?

People drink chamomile tea to make themselves feel better, and some people drink it to help them sleep. As with any medication, consult your doctor before drinking chamomile tea as a possible solution to any medical issues.

Dosage for benefits is going to vary from person to person. A good idea is to start with a small amount and then increase or decrease to suit your needs. Most people recommend drinking 2 to 3 cups per day.