Many people are interested in the production of chamomile tea. Is there any information on how to dry Chamomile for tea? In and of itself, gathering and drying chamomile blooms from a field or pot is an interesting affair! I use Chamomile to prepare my chamomile tea during the cold season. Today, I’d like to show you how to dry Chamomile and make your chamomile tea.
How to dry chamomile for tea? There are 4 different ways to dry chamomile for tea. I have listed them on the scale of easiest to hardest, such as oven, microwave, sun, and dehydrator drying.
Chamomile tea is a must-have for anyone who suffers from sleeplessness or anxiety. My mother relied on chamomile tea for stomach pains and bad spirits. The beautiful daisy-like blooms are gathered and kept separately from the rest of the plant. For chamomile preservation, only drying the flowers is necessary. Chamomile can be dried in four different ways. Learn how to dry Chamomile in the sections below.
A warm, dry environment is used to preserve chamomile flowers. When the morning dew has dried on the open blossoms, this is the best time to collect the essential oils. German and Roman Chamomile are the two types of Chamomile. German Chamomile is considered the most popular medicinal plant. Still, both styles include essential oils and antioxidants that help relax the body and boost our energy when we’re feeling exhausted.
How To Dry Chamomile For Tea In 4 Way?
The dried blossoms are used to preserve Chamomile, as previously mentioned. Drying the chamomile flowers in four different ways is possible. Food preservation by drying, which has been used for thousands of years, is the most basic and secure technique.
1. Sun Dry Chamomile
Drying chamomile flowers in an open-air environment is convenient and cost-effective. Remove any insects from the blooms by handling them one at a time.
Arrange the flowers on a clean, dust-free surface. Lay them out in one layer for optimum drying results. Leave them outside if it’s a hot, dry day with low humidity.
Keep them inside if it’s a warm, dry day and there is good ventilation. It is feasible to sun-dry the herbs, but they may also lose their color and taste due to UV radiation.
2. Dehydrator Dry Chamomile
Chamomile may be dried in a dehydrator. Between 95 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit (35-46 C.) should be preheated before using the device.
Spray non-stick cooking spray over each dehydration tray. The length of time it takes flowers to dry will be determined by the temperature you use and your dehydrator. Check on the dehydrator every 30 minutes or so.
3. Drying Chamomile In The Oven
Drying Chamomile in the oven is also possible. A gas oven’s pilot light will be sufficient heat for drying Chamomile. Layout the flowers in one layer, just as you would for sun-drying.
4. Microwave Drying Chamomile
Finally, you may dry Chamomile in the microwave. This technique is particularly useful when you only have a few chamomile blossoms to dry, which can happen as the plant blooms throughout the summer.
Another layer of newspaper should be used to cover the blooms. Make sure you check them every 30 seconds until they’re totally dry before putting them back in the microwave for a second time.
You can use chamomile flowers to create a delicious herbal tea whenever you need it. Please keep them in a cool, dark location with a tightly sealed lid. Label and date the plants carefully as well! Dried herbs are generally kept for about a year when stored properly.
Chamomile’s Benefits
Chamomile has a long history of use as a medicine and is considered one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs. There are several health advantages to consuming Chamomile.
- Chamomile has been used for centuries to cure everything from inflammation to sleeplessness to stomach pains to hemorrhoids.
- Chamomile essential oils are also used in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
- The steam from a hot cup of chamomile tea can also help relieve the cold symptoms.
- Chamomile has been found to lower blood pressure in some studies.
When Is The Best Time To Harvest Chamomile?
To guarantee that chamomile flowers will continue to bloom over the summer, it’s critical to pick them regularly. As a result, you’ll be able to harvest chamomile blooms all summer! It’s an excellent thing in disguise.
When the chamomile flowers are ripe, they must be picked. The blooms should be fully opened just before the white petals fall. Although drooping or premature blossoms are unlikely to cause any immediate health problems, their useful qualities might not be entirely realized.
Herbs should be picked in the morning after any dew has evaporated and before midafternoon sunshine begins to harm the blooms.
Chamomile Harvesting Instructions
Use your fingertips to pluck the flower heads. Remove the flower head from the stem with your other hand after that.
Alternatively, you may pinch off the flower’s tops just above the bud with your forefinger and thumb.
Gather as many flowers as possible. You’ll need to go back several times throughout the summer to collect full-bloom blossoms.
If you don’t take the blooms, expect some self-seeding in your Chamomile. The annual variety of Chamomile is a highly self-sowing grower.
For this reason, I frequently allow a few of the flowers to mature and set seeds to enjoy the benefits of the following year’s plants. And I keep a few flowers to plant as seeds after they’ve dried out. For me, Chamomile has worked well when produced from saved sources.
Reasons To Dry Chamomile
Dehydrating plants preserve their nutrients while eliminating extra water. It all resides in your body when it comes to taste and fragrance.
Drying your herbs isn’t the right way to preserve their freshness; you want to keep the plant’s nutrients and flavor while condensing it.
It’s preferable to dry your herbs since you have greater control over the components and processes employed.
Dried Chamomile Storage
After it has been dried, Chamomile may be kept in an airtight jar or container of your choice (I recommend metal or glass). You’ll have to start again if you don’t utilize it in a year.
Conclusion
The flowers of Chamomile are preserved in a warm, dry condition. Food preservation using drying has been practiced for thousands of years. Many individuals advise against drying Chamomile in the sun to retain its color and flavor. Please keep them in a cool, dark place with a firmly closed lid. Dried herbs will usually last for a year or more when stored correctly.
Related Articles: