What is Chamomile Herb?

Description

A bright yellow daisy-like flower, most well known as a tea, which can also be used as a garnish and to add floral components to dishes.

Chamomile has a sweet, fruity scent with a strong floral flavor of apple, when heated the aromas perfume the liquid infusion.

A member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family, chamomile comes in varying shapes and colors.

The most common is the vibrant yellow anthemis tinctoria which can be used in recipes fresh or dried.

Chamomile is used throughout Europe, India and Western Asia.

Generally used for sweet recipes, the refreshing sweet flower can also be infused into alcohol to counteract bitterness.

A few flowers direct a pungent flavor and aroma, chamomile can be infused into tea, cocktails, alcohol, desserts, salad, ceviche, and savory dishes.

Peppermint: best substituted into tea or desserts, peppermint is sweet and calming like chamomile.
Lemon verbena: citrus and calming characteristics suitable in teas or cocktails.
Lemon balm: similar in herbal and soothing properties, use as a substitute in tea or cocktails.

Chamomile pairs best with sweet and fruit ingredients whilst also being able to heighten and contrast delicate flowers such as raw fish.

Complimentary ingredients include honey, strawberry, raspberry, apple, pineapple, melon, lemon, and raw fish.

Fresh: store fresh flowers in a vase of water and use within a week.
Dried: store dried chamomile flowers in an airtight container out of direct light within one year, use whole dried flowers rather than fine powder.