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How to Dry Chamomile

Learn how to dry fresh chamomile flowers for tea or herbal uses.
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Dry Time:4 hours
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chamomile tea, dry chamomile, herbal tea, preserving herbs

Equipment

  • 1 Gardening Scissors or Snips
  • 1 Gloves
  • 1 Drying Racks or Screens
  • 1 Paper Bags or Cloth Sacks
  • 1 Dehydrator optional

Ingredients

  • chamomile

Instructions

Air Drying Method

  1. Prepare for Drying: Remove any excess stem and separate the flowers to allow for better airflow around each one.
  2. Choose a Drying Area: Find a warm, dry area with good air flow and out of direct sunlight.
  3. Spread Out the Flowers: Lay out the chamomile flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface, such as a screen or drying rack. Ensure the flowers are not touching to prevent mold and to allow for even drying.
  4. Cover to Protect: You can cover the chamomile with a thin cloth or paper to protect it from dust and insects.
  5. Check Regularly: Chamomile typically takes 1-2 weeks to dry completely, depending on the humidity and temperature. Check them every couple of days to see if they are dry. They should feel crispy to the touch and the petals should be brittle.
  6. Store Properly: Once dry, transfer the chamomile flowers to airtight containers, and store them in a cool, dark place to preserve their aroma and medicinal properties.
  7. Label the Containers: It's helpful to label the containers with the date of drying to keep track of freshness.

Dehydrator Method

  1. Prepare the Flowers: Gently shake or check the flowers to remove any insects. Avoid washing them to preserve the natural oils unless they're particularly dirty.
  2. Preheat the Dehydrator: Set your dehydrator to the lowest setting, typically between 95°F to 115°F (35°C to 46°C). Chamomile is delicate and can lose its aromatic oils if dried at too high of a temperature.
  3. Arrange the Flowers: Place the chamomile flowers in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure they are not overlapping to allow for even drying.
  4. Start Dehydrating: Put the trays in the dehydrator and let them dry for 1-4 hours. The exact time can vary based on the dehydrator model and the moisture content of the flowers.
  5. Check Periodically: Check the flowers every hour to see if they are dry. They should be crispy to the touch, and the petals should be easily crumbled when they are fully dried.
  6. Cool Down: After drying, allow the chamomile flowers to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
  7. Store Properly: Transfer the dried chamomile flowers to airtight containers, and keep them in a cool, dark place. Properly dried chamomile can last for up to a year if stored correctly.
  8. Label Your Containers: Mark the storage containers with the date of drying to track how long they have been stored.