To dry chamomile for tea in the oven, spread a single layer of flowers on a baking sheet and set the oven to its lowest possible temperature. Leave the chamomile in the oven until it is completely dried out, which should take about an hour. Once the chamomile is dry, remove it from the oven and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it.
- 1) Preheat oven to 200 degrees F
- 2) Place chamomile flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 3) Bake for 1-2 hours, or until dry
- 4) Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container
Contents
Harvesting and drying Chamomile for tea
Can You Dry Chamomile in the Oven?
You can dry chamomile in the oven, but it’s not the best method. Chamomile dries best when hung in a warm, dark place with good airflow. The oven is too hot and will make the chamomile lose its essential oils.
How Do You Dry Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is brewed using only the flower heads of the plant Camellia sinensis. Chamomile tea made with fresh chamomile flowers has fewer bitter undertones than those made with dry chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bags. The brewing time for chamomile tea should not exceed five minutes to prevent bitterness.
To make a cup of chamomile tea, start by boiling water and then pour it over a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers (or two teaspoons of fresh flowers). Allow the mixture to steep for 3-5 minutes before straining it into a cup. You can sweeten your chamomile tea with honey if desired.
Does Chamomile Need to Be Dried to Make Tea?
Chamomile tea is brewed using only the flower heads of the plant Camellia sinensis. Chamomile does not need to be dried in order to make tea; however, drying chamomile flowers prior to brewing will result in a stronger tea. When drying chamomile for future use, it is best to harvest the flower heads when they are fully bloomed and then dry them in an airtight container out of direct sunlight.
How Long Should You Dry Chamomile?
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a dried flower that can be found pre-packaged at many health food stores. When brewed as a tea, chamomile is thought to be a relaxant, can be helpful in restoring insomnia, and alleviating stress and anxiety. Chamomile tea infusion has a sweet—fruity taste and is naturally caffeine-free.
Chamomile can also be found in capsule form and is sometimes used as an herbal remedy for stomach upset or colic in infants.
How long to dry chamomile?
It takes about 2-3 weeks for chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flowers to fully dry indoors.
If you live in a warm, sunny climate with low humidity, it may only take 1-2 weeks for your chamomile to dry completely. The best way to tell if your chamomile flowers are ready to harvest is by gently rubbing one of the flower heads between your thumb and forefinger; if most of the petals fall off easily, they’re ready to be picked!
Once your chamomile flowers are dry, store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
Dried chamomile will retain its potency for several months; however, for optimal flavor, use within 6-8 weeks of drying. To make a cup of tea, simply place 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers into a mug or teapot and add 8 ounces of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes before straining and enjoy!
Credit: dryingallfoods.com
How to Dry Chamomile Leaves for Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea made from the dried leaves of the chamomile plant. Chamomile leaves can be bought pre-dried from many health food stores, but they are easy to dry at home with a dehydrator or oven. Drying chamomile leaves preserves their flavor and allows them to be stored for future use.
To dry chamomile leaves, start by spreading them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the leaves are not touching each other so that they can dry evenly. Then, set your oven to the lowest temperature setting and place the baking sheet in the oven.
Leave the door slightly cracked open so that moisture can escape. Check on the leaves every few hours, and when they are completely dry, remove them from the oven and store in an airtight container.
Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays and check every few hours until they are completely dried out. Once again, store in an airtight container once they are done drying. Dried chamomile leaves can be used to make tea by steeping in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
For a stronger tea, add more dried leaves or steep for a longer period of time. Chamomile tea is traditionally consumed before bed as it has calming effects that can help promote sleepiness.
Conclusion
Chamomile is a dried herb that can be used to make tea. When drying chamomile for tea, it is important to use an oven set at the lowest temperature possible. Place the chamomile on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for about 45 minutes.
Once the chamomile is dry, remove it from the oven and store it in an airtight container.