Overview

The daisy-like flower is cultivated in North Africa and central Europe. Although it is mostly used as a tisane, it is also a very important ingredient in beauty products and teas. Chamomile aids relaxation and sleep, and it also improves digestive problems.

The flower is infused in creams to get the flavour into elegant desserts. Chamomile oils are used in seafood dishes due to its acidity and herbal flavour. Chamomile is also used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The most common use is to mix chamomile powder in a cup of hot tea. One can also sprinkle the powder over soups and stews for an acidic element. In baking one can add the chamomile powder to cookie batter, scones batter and even muffins – to add a delicate floral aroma.

The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking.
Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won’t do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.