Unexpected Savory Applications for Chamomile
While most people associate chamomile with a soothing cup of tea, its subtle, hay-like and floral notes can enhance a variety of savory foods. Infusing oils or broths is a simple way to incorporate this delicate flavor into your cooking without overpowering other ingredients. German chamomile, with its more delicate flavor profile, is often a better choice for culinary use.
Savory recipes featuring chamomile:
- Chamomile-Infused Butter: Melt unsalted butter with dried chamomile flowers over low heat for about 15 minutes, then strain. This fragrant butter can be drizzled over roasted carrots, potatoes, or green beans, adding an unexpected, gentle sweetness to vegetables.
- Chamomile Vinaigrette: Steep dried chamomile flowers in white wine vinegar. Once steeped, mix the infused vinegar with olive oil, a dash of honey, and fresh herbs to create a bright, floral dressing for salads. This pairs beautifully with greens, cucumbers, or grilled chicken.
- Chamomile Rice Pilaf: Simmer rice in a combination of water and strong brewed chamomile tea. This imparts a fragrant, subtle floral flavor to the rice, which complements a wide range of main courses.
- Flavoring Seafood: Some chefs use chamomile infusions to add depth to lighter-flavored dishes, including scallops and white fish. The floral notes can complement the delicate sweetness of shellfish, providing a sophisticated twist.
Decadent Desserts and Confections
The natural affinity of chamomile for honey, lemon, and stone fruits makes it a perfect candidate for sweet dishes. The infusion method is crucial for preserving the delicate flavor, as excessive or direct heat can turn it bitter.
Sweet treats incorporating chamomile:
- Chamomile-Infused Honey or Syrup: Simmer chamomile flowers in honey or sugar water to create a versatile syrup. This can be drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or used to sweeten iced teas and cocktails.
- Baked Goods: Finely ground dried chamomile flowers can be folded into cookie dough, scones, or cakes. Chamomile lemon cookies and lavender chamomile scones are popular recipes that showcase this pairing.
- Ice Cream and Custards: Infusing the dairy base for ice cream or custards with chamomile creates a luxurious, aromatic dessert. The cool temperature allows the floral notes to shine without becoming overpowering.
- Jams and Candies: Adding a chamomile infusion to homemade jams or candies provides a unique, floral undertone that complements fruit flavors, particularly berries and apricots.
Comparison of German vs. Roman Chamomile in Cooking
Different varieties of chamomile offer slightly different flavor profiles, which can influence their best culinary applications.
| Feature | German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) | Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweeter, more delicate, and apple-like | More herbaceous and slightly bitter |
| Preferred Form | Dried flowers, tea bags | Dried flowers, sometimes fresh leaves |
| Best Culinary Use | Ideal for sweet applications like desserts, teas, and syrups where a delicate flavor is desired | More often used as a mild flavoring in drinks, liqueurs, or savory infusions where a slightly bitter edge can add complexity |
| Growth Habit | Annual, often used in teas | Perennial, often used as ground cover in gardens |
Important Considerations for Cooking with Chamomile
When incorporating chamomile into your cooking, there are a few important points to remember:
- Start with infusions: The best way to add chamomile's flavor is by infusing it into a liquid (water, milk, oil) and then adding that liquid to your dish. This prevents the bitter taste that can result from cooking the flowers directly.
- Less is more: Chamomile has a potent flavor, and a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overwhelming the dish.
- Avoid pesticides: If harvesting fresh chamomile, ensure it is culinary-grade and hasn't been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
- Allergy awareness: Chamomile is in the Asteraceae family (daisy family). Individuals with allergies to ragweed or daisies should exercise caution as it may cause a reaction.
Conclusion
From sophisticated savory preparations to comforting sweet confections, chamomile offers a subtle, aromatic flavor that can elevate a wide range of dishes. By moving beyond the traditional teacup, home cooks can experiment with chamomile-infused butters, elegant desserts, and flavorful dressings. Just remember to use the infusion method and start with small amounts to capture the best of its delicate floral and apple-like notes. The culinary versatility of chamomile makes it a valuable and creative addition to any kitchen.
Where to find chamomile
You can find dried chamomile flowers or tea bags in most grocery stores, health food stores, or online. For fresh chamomile, look to farmers' markets or grow your own in a home garden.
Chamomile-Infused Strawberry Pie
This dessert recipe highlights how chamomile pairs beautifully with stone fruits and berries, creating a pie with a delicate floral glaze. It's a prime example of chamomile's potential beyond a simple cup of tea.
