There are many species of chamomile – even if the most used are the Matricaria chamomilla (or Matricaria recutita), also known as "German chamomile" and the Anthemis nobilis (or Chamaemelum nobile), more commonly referred to as "Roman chamomile.” Matricaria chamomilla has been known for centuries – even the ancient Egyptians made great use of it. And in the past, chamomile flowers were used as tobacco.
Curiosities about chamomile
The word ‘chamomile’ comes from the Greek word ‘khamaimelon,’ which means ‘small apple’ – precisely because this flower smells so similar to an apple. In fact, the Spanish term for the plant – ‘manzanilla’ – also means ‘small apple.’ Chamomile is an annually harvested herbaceous plant with an erect stem reaching a height of up to 50 cm, which can be found almost anywhere on uncultivated grounds, in dry and stony areas of up to 500 meters altitude. It’s not easy to recognize chamomile, however, because it often resembles other similar small flowers. Chamomile typically has three structural characteristics to look out for, though: the petals of the flowers at the end of flowering will be facing downwards; the flower’s thalamus is conical and hollow inside; and the leaves are typically divided.
How to preserve chamomile
Chamomile flowers should be picked at the beginning of flowering, when the flower heads are not yet too open and not too white. If you want to distill it to make essential oils, harvest the whole plant (leaves, stem and flowers) and use it fresh (or just barely withered). Dry the flowers as soon as possible in a dry, dark and ventilated place so it doesn’t black (which means it loses its beneficial properties) and to avoid the formation of mold. Keep the chamomile in glass jars protected from light for up to one year – and no longer. After a year, the chamomile tends to lose its scent.
How to use chamomile tea in the kitchen
Chamomile flowers are used to make infusions known for their mildly sedative effects. The plant has no hypnoinductive active ingredients, but it does feature antispasmodic properties, similar to lemon balm, meaning it produces muscle relaxation thanks to the presence of flavonoids (i.e. eupatuletin and quercimethrin) and coumarins in its phytocomplex. Use your chamomile to make excellent infusions with a calming effect. But beware: Matricaria has a sweeter and more delicate taste, while Anthemis nobilis has a more bitter flavor to it.
With chamomile, you can flavor jams, candies and ice cream, or you could add it to liqueurs like vermouth. Then there are tasty recipes like risotto, fish salad, soft breakfast cakes, sweet creams or biscuits you could make – all flavored with chamomile… The possibilities are simply endless! And with their small shape and elegant simplicity, fresh chamomile flowers are perfect even as a decoration for many dishes – both sweet and savory. Read on for our favorite chamomile salad dressing recipe!
The Recipe: Chamomile Dressing
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, The juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Mix all the ingredients quickly to create an emulsion to dress salads or fish carpaccio.