Chamomile
Chamomile: A Sweet and Relaxing Herb for Your Beverages
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a plant in the aster family that has both culinary and medicinal uses. It is also known as German chamomile, wild chamomile, or scented mayweed. Chamomile has small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers. They have a sweet, apple-like flavor and aroma that can enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages. Chamomile is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have various health benefits.
What You Need to Know About Chamomile
Botanical Name | Family | Origin | Cultivation | Harvesting | Storage | Shelf Life | Packaging | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Matricaria chamomilla | Asteraceae | Europe and Asia | Organic | Year-round | Refrigerated | 7-10 days | Boxes with labels or stickers | Worldwide |
How to Choose the Best Chamomile for Your Needs
HerbCraft Kenya offers the following varieties of chamomile:
- Organic Chamomile: This is chamomile that is grown organically without using any synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. It is certified organic by an accredited body and verified by a credible source. Organic chamomile has a higher quality and safety than conventional chamomile.
- Conventional Chamomile: This is chamomile that is grown using conventional methods that may involve the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. It is not certified organic and may have lower quality and safety than organic chamomile.
- Dried Chamomile: This is chamomile that is dried using a natural or artificial process that removes the moisture from it. It has a longer shelf life than fresh chamomile but may lose some of its flavor, aroma, and nutrients. Dried chamomile can be rehydrated by soaking it in water before use.
How to Use Chamomile in Your Cooking
Here are some delicious and easy recipes that use chamomile as an ingredient:
- Chamomile Tea: This is a refreshing and healthy drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. To make it, you need 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Boil the water in a large pot and add the chamomile flowers. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the water turns golden. Strain the tea and stir in the honey and lemon juice. Serve hot or chilled.
- Chamomile Cake: This is a moist and fluffy cake that can be served with whipped cream, fruit, or ice cream. To make it, you need 1/2 cup of butter (softened), 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried chamomile flowers. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and chamomile flowers over low heat until steaming but not boiling. Strain the milk and discard the flowers. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Chamomile Chicken: This is a tender and juicy chicken dish that can be enjoyed with rice, potatoes, or salad. To make it, you need 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/4 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side and transfer to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the wine and broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and bring to a boil. Add the chamomile flowers and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce is slightly reduced. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the butter and parsley and serve.
What Our Customers Say About Chamomile
Here are some positive feedback from customers who have purchased and used chamomile from HerbCraft Kenya:
- "I love the freshness and quality of the chamomile from HerbCraft Kenya. They add so much flavor and aroma to my dishes and drinks. I especially like to use them in tea, cake, or chicken. They are also very soothing and relaxing. I highly recommend them to anyone who loves herbs." - Mackenzie R., Eldoret
- "I have been buying chamomile from HerbCraft Kenya for a long time and I am always satisfied with their service and products. They deliver fast and reliably to my location, anywhere in the world. Their packaging is convenient and attractive, easy to open and close. Their labels or stickers provide useful information about their products, such as name, origin, certification, verification, expiration date, usage instructions. - Jim J., Sydney
- "I am impressed by the variety and innovation of the products from HerbCraft Kenya. They offer both common and exotic varieties of chamomile, such as organic, conventional, dried, essential oil. They also explore new and niche segments of chamomile, such as potted or edible flower. They create innovative products using chamomile, such as chamomile tea , chamomile cake , chamomile chicken . They are always ahead of the market and the competition." - Albert S., Antwerp
Answers to Common Questions About Chamomile
Here are some answers to common questions that customers may have about chamomile:
- What are the health benefits of chamomile? Chamomile has various health benefits , such as improving sleep quality , reducing stress , relieving pain , soothing skin , healing wounds , fighting infections , boosting immunity , lowering blood sugar , preventing cancer , and supporting digestion . Chamomile is also a good source of antioxidants , flavonoids , terpenoids , coumarins , and other phytochemicals .
- How to store chamomile? Chamomile should be stored in a cool and dry environment to maintain its freshness and quality. Fresh chamomile can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a resealable bag or container in the refrigerator. Dried chamomile can be stored in an airtight jar or packet in a dark and cool place. Essential oil of chamomile can be stored in a dark glass bottle in a dark and cool place.
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How to use chamomile? Chamomile can be used in various ways , depending on the part of the plant and the type of cuisine . Here are some examples:
- Chamomile flowers: Add them to teas , beverages , cakes , cookies , or pastries . Use them as an edible decoration for desserts or cheese plates . Infuse them in oil , vinegar , honey , or syrup for flavoring or dressing .
- Chamomile leaves: Add them to salads , soups , sauces , dips , dressings , sandwiches , omelets , quiches , or casseroles . Use them as a garnish for meat , fish , poultry , or vegetable dishes . Incorporate them into butter , pesto , chutney , or chimichurri .
Order Chamomile from HerbCraft Kenya Today
If you are interested in ordering chamomile from HerbCraft Kenya or want to learn more about our products and services , please contact us today. You can also visit our website or follow us on our social media channels for more information and updates . We look forward to hearing from you and serving you with our fresh herbs.
- Email: info@herbcraftkenya.com
- Phone: +254 706 926 835
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