Whether you’ve been foraging in the wild or tending to your own backyard patch, drying your own chamomile flowers is super easy. But here’s the thing: the quality of those soothing essential oils and healing properties depends on more than just when you pick them—it’s all about how you dry them, too.
Drying Chamomile: Let’s Get Started!
When it comes to drying, you want to focus strictly on the flower heads. That’s where all the medicinal magic is concentrated. The essential oils are at their peak once the flower has been open for about three to five days.
Of course, if you’re foraging in the wild, it’s hard to know exactly how many days a flower has been open. A good rule of thumb is to look at the whole patch: if about two-thirds of the flowers are fully open and one-third are still closed, you’ve hit the harvesting jackpot.
Method 1: Air-Drying Your Chamomile
Once you’ve harvested your chamomile, try to handle the flower heads as little as possible. And whatever you do, don’t wash them! True chamomile is pretty delicate and bruises easily. Your best bet is to pick them on a warm, dry summer day so they’re already moisture-free.
At home, spread the fresh flowers out in a single layer on clean newspaper or a drying rack. Find a spot that’s warm, dark, and has plenty of airflow—a dry basement, an attic, or even a garden shed works great. Let them sit undisturbed for at least two weeks until they’re completely dry.
Method 2: Using the Oven for Faster Results
If you’re not the patient type and want your chamomile tea sooner, you can use your oven to speed things up. The key here is to keep the heat as low as possible. Spread the flower heads loosely on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pro tip: prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon or a wine cork.
This little gap allows the moisture to escape rather than getting trapped inside. Give the flowers a gentle toss every now and then so they dry evenly. Once they’re done, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like your pantry.
By the way, your homegrown dried chamomile will stay fresh and potent for about a year. Happy harvesting!
