How to Harvest and Dry Chamomile

Chamomile is a delightful herb known for its calming properties, often enjoyed as a tea. If you’ve got chamomile growing in your garden, harvesting and drying it yourself can be a rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it, in a laid-back, easy-to-follow style.

When to Harvest Chamomile

Chamomile is best harvested in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. This timing ensures the highest concentration of essential oils in the flowers, giving you the best quality for your teas and remedies.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, gather a few basic supplies:

• Sharp scissors or garden shears
• A basket or a colander for collecting the flowers
• A clean, dry surface for drying the chamomile

Step 2: Harvest the Flowers

Look for the chamomile flowers that are fully open. These are the ones with their petals flat or slightly downward and a vibrant yellow center. To harvest:

1. Gently grasp the stem just below the flower head.
2. Use your scissors or shears to snip the flower head off, leaving the stem behind.
3. Collect the flower heads in your basket or colander.

It’s that simple! Continue until you have as many flowers as you’d like to dry.

Step 3: Prepare for Drying

Once you’ve gathered your chamomile, it’s time to prepare it for drying:

1. Clean the Flowers: Shake off any dirt or small insects. If necessary, you can lightly rinse them, but make sure to pat them dry gently with a paper towel.
2. Spread Them Out: Lay the flowers out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. You can use a drying rack, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or even a clean towel.

Step 4: Dry the Chamomile

There are a few methods you can use to dry your chamomile:

• Air Drying: This is the easiest method. Place the flowers in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. It usually takes about one to two weeks for the flowers to dry completely. They should be brittle and crumbly to the touch.
• Dehydrator: If you’re in a hurry, a food dehydrator set to a low temperature (95-110°F or 35-45°C) can dry your chamomile in about 2-4 hours.
• Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 150°F or 65°C). Spread the flowers on a baking sheet and place them in the oven with the door slightly open. Check them frequently, as they can dry in as little as 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Store Your Dried Chamomile

Once your chamomile is completely dry, it’s time to store it:

1. Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the dried flowers in an airtight glass jar or a ziplock bag. Mason jars work great for this.
2. Label and Date: Label your container with the date of drying. Chamomile retains its best quality for about a year.
3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep your dried chamomile in a cool, dark cupboard to preserve its flavor and potency.

Enjoying Your Dried Chamomile

Now that you have your own home-dried chamomile, you can use it in various ways:

• Chamomile Tea: Simply steep a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey if you like!
• Bath Soak: Add a handful of dried chamomile to your bath for a relaxing soak.
• DIY Skincare: Chamomile is great for homemade skin care recipes, like facial steams and lotions.

Harvesting and drying chamomile is a simple yet rewarding process. With these steps, you’ll have your own supply of this soothing herb ready to use whenever you need a moment of calm.