Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla · Edible flower
Top 10 pairings
A small, daisy-like flower whose dried golden heads make one of the world's most popular herbal teas. Crushed, they smell of sweet hay and fresh apple, the scent behind the name.
Picking a good onedrag
Whole gold heads, apple-sweetGrey-brown and musty, no scent
Shop freshEveryday bestThe ordinary food-grade tin or bag, in date. Steep it covered to keep the apple note in.
Colour of the headsGold going straw, rays cream
The crushCrushes easily, still holds its shape
Scent when crushedHay and honey clear, apple faint