Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla · Edible flower

40 pairings

Chamomile is the small, daisy-like flower of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), a plant of the aster family whose dried golden flower heads make one of the world's most popular herbal teas. Crushed, the flowers give off a soft, sweet, hay-like scent with a distinct note of fresh apple — the trait that gives the herb its name.

Picking a good onedrag

Whole gold heads, apple-sweetGrey-brown and musty, no scent

Shop freshThe ordinary food-grade tin or loose bag, in date. Steep the whole heads covered, so the apple note stays in the pot rather than on the ceiling.Everyday best

Colour of the headsGold going straw, rays cream

The crushCrushes easily, still holds its shape

Scent when crushedHay and honey clear, apple faint

What to look for, from whole gold heads, apple-sweet to grey-brown and musty, no scent.

Preparing