Whole Chamomile Flowers - Slavonija & Podravina, Croatia Recipe
Clean, subtle, sweet, soft & wonderfully calming
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Ingredients
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Tea
Optional additions
Method
Tea
Prepare water
Bring fresh, filtered water to a gentle boil and then let it cool slightly. Ideal water temperature for chamomile is around 200°F (about 93–95°C). If you do not have a thermometer, remove the water from heat as soon as it reaches a rolling boil and wait 30–45 seconds.
Measure chamomile
Place 2 teaspoons of whole chamomile flowers per 8 oz cup into a teapot, infuser, or teacup. If you prefer a stronger cup, increase to 1 tablespoon.
Steep
Pour 8 oz (240 ml) of the hot water over the chamomile flowers. Cover the teapot or place a small saucer over the cup to trap the aromatics and heat. Steep for 5–7 minutes for a delicate, sweet, calming infusion. For a fuller, more herbal flavor, steep up to 10 minutes—note steeping longer will increase intensity but can also slightly increase vegetal bitterness.
Strain
After steeping, strain the flowers using a fine mesh strainer or remove the infuser. Gently press the flowers against the strainer to release any remaining liquor, but avoid forcing; over-pressing can extract astringency.
Serve
Pour the tea into a warmed cup and enjoy while hot. Take a moment to inhale the gentle chamomile aroma before sipping.
Optional additions
Lemon: Add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the cup. Add after steeping and tasting; a little goes a long way.
Mint: Add 3 fresh mint leaves to the cup or teapot before pouring water for a cooling counterpoint to chamomile's sweetness. Remove or leave in cup per preference.