How long should you steep chamomile tea?

5 to 10 minutes, covered, in water at a full boil. Start at 5 minutes for a lighter cup and go up to 10 for a fuller one.

How much chamomile should I use per cup?

One to two tablespoons of dried flowers (2–3 g) per 8 oz (240 ml) cup, or about twice that of fresh flowers. Whole flowers are bulky, so a teaspoon is rarely enough.

Does chamomile tea have caffeine?

No. Chamomile is an herbal tea made from dried flowers, not from the tea plant, so it's naturally caffeine-free. That's why it's such a popular evening drink.

Should you cover chamomile while it steeps?

Yes. Much of chamomile's flavor comes from aromatic oils that escape with the steam. A saucer over the mug keeps them in the cup.

Can you over-steep chamomile?

A little. Past 10–15 minutes it can turn slightly bitter, especially from tea bags. It won't harm you, but shortening the steep fixes the taste.

What does chamomile tea taste like?

Sweet, floral, and gently fruity, often compared to apple and honey, with a soft, rounded body.

How to Brew Chamomile

Steep time: 5m – 10m
Water temperature: 95°C – 100°C

About Chamomile

Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of chamomile, a daisy-like herb, usually German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and sometimes Roman chamomile. It has been brewed as a calming drink in Europe and the Middle East for centuries, and Egypt is one of its largest producers today. Chamomile contains no caffeine, which makes it a popular cup before bed.

What it tastes like

Soft, floral, and honey-like, with a hint of apple. Whole flowers give a sweeter, cleaner cup than the finely broken flowers in most tea bags.

Step by step

Measure your tea Use about one teaspoon of Chamomile leaves per 8 oz cup.
Heat the water Bring fresh water to 95°C – 100°C. Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves.
Steep Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 5m – 10m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go.
Strain and serve Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter.

Brewing tips

Look for whole flowers with yellow centers. Brownish, crumbled flowers mean older chamomile.
A strip of lemon peel or a slice of apple brings out its fruity side.
Chamomile is in the same plant family as ragweed, so if you have ragweed allergies, start with a small cup.

Timer

Chamomile steeps for 5m – 10m — start the clock as you pour.

Chamomile

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Other ways to brew Chamomile

In a mug or teapot

Use one to two tablespoons (2–3 g) of dried chamomile flowers per 8 oz (240 ml) cup; the whole flowers are light and bulky, so measure generously. Pour water at a full boil, cover the cup, and steep 5–10 minutes. Covering it keeps in the aromatic oils that would otherwise float off with the steam.

With fresh flowers

If you grow chamomile, use about twice as much fresh flower as dried, around three to four tablespoons of flower heads per cup. Rinse them, pour boiling water over them, and steep 5 minutes. Fresh chamomile is lighter, greener, and more apple-like.

Iced chamomile

Brew double strength, two to three tablespoons of flowers per 8 oz of boiling water for 10 minutes, then pour over ice. A little honey and lemon, or a few slices of peach, suit it.

Cold brew

Put about two tablespoons of dried flowers in 8 oz (240 ml) of cold water and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. Cold-brewed chamomile is soft and sweet, with less of the hay-like note hot water brings out.

Can you re-steep Chamomile?

Chamomile gives most of its flavor in the first steep. A second steep is possible, with fresh boiling water for the full 10 minutes, but it's noticeably weaker. Since the flowers are inexpensive, most people start fresh.

If your Chamomile doesn't taste right

Weak or watery? Use more flowers. Whole chamomile is so light that a teaspoon holds very little. Use a tablespoon or more, water at a full boil, and steep the full 5–10 minutes covered.
Bitter? Chamomile can turn slightly bitter after 10–15 minutes, especially from crushed flowers in tea bags. Shorten the steep or use whole flowers.
Tastes like hay or dust? The chamomile is stale. Good dried chamomile should be mostly whole yellow and white flowers and smell sweet and apple-like. Keep it airtight and use it within a year.

Ways to drink Chamomile

With honey and lemon

The classic pairing. Add a spoonful of honey once the tea has cooled slightly, and a slice of lemon if you like.

With lavender or mint

A pinch of dried lavender makes it more floral; a few mint leaves make it fresher. Go easy on lavender, which can taste soapy in large amounts.

Chamomile latte

Steep two tablespoons of flowers in 4 oz (120 ml) of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and top with steamed milk, a little honey, and a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla.