Chamomile Tea

What Is Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is an herbal tea (tisane) prepared by drying the small, white-petaled, yellow-centered flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) plant. The flowers are picked when fully open and dried in the shade.

It has a slightly sweet, apple-like grassy aroma; since it is not derived from Camellia sinensis (the true tea plant), it is naturally caffeine-free.

Nutritional Values of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is almost calorie-free when brewed; 100 ml of unsweetened brew carries about 1 kcal of energy. It is known for being caffeine-free and for the essential oils it contains (e.g., flavonoids such as bisabolol and apigenin).

What Are the Benefits of Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is an herbal tea traditionally consumed in the evening to relax. Various studies on compounds such as apigenin it contains are ongoing; these studies have not yet turned into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; chamomile tea is a beverage, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those allergic to the Asteraceae family, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, and those on regular medication should consult a specialist before consumption.

How to Choose Chamomile Tea?

Quality dried chamomile flowers are whole or coarsely broken, yellow-white in color, and vivid in appearance; overly crumbled, powdery products lose aroma quickly.

• Flowers should be as whole as possible; crushed powder form loses aroma quickly.
• The color should be vivid yellow-white; browned flowers are stale.
• The scent should be mildly sweet and grassy; a musty smell is a sign of spoilage.

How to Store Chamomile Tea?

Dried chamomile flowers keep their freshness for up to 1 year when stored in a sealed jar, away from light and in a cool place. Since moisture can cause the flowers to mold quickly, the container should be tightly sealed after each use.

Using Chamomile Tea in the Kitchen

Chamomile is most often drunk brewed plain, sweetened with honey if desired; it is also used in some herbal blend teas together with linden or sage.

How to Brew Chamomile Tea?

A pinch of dried chamomile flowers is covered with boiling water, the lid is closed, and it is left to brew for 5-8 minutes. After straining, it can be sweetened with honey if desired and served hot.

Which Recipes Use Chamomile Tea?

Besides classic chamomile tea, it is also used in linden-chamomile blend herbal teas and some calming blend recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chamomile tea good for?

Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea traditionally preferred to relax in the evening. It is a beverage; it carries no claim of curing any disease.

Does chamomile tea contain caffeine?

No, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free since it is obtained from the chamomile flower, not from Camellia sinensis.

When should chamomile tea be drunk?

Since it is caffeine-free, it can be consumed at any time of day, especially in the evening to relax.

Can chamomile tea be drunk every day?

It can be drunk daily in moderation; however, those allergic to the Asteraceae family should be careful.

How long should chamomile tea be brewed?

5-8 minutes is enough; longer brewing can noticeably make the taste more bitter.