Herbal (tisane) · Earth apple

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla, German chamomile

7.7/10 editor's score

Dried chamomile flowers make one of the world's best-known herbal teas. The name comes from Greek for "earth apple", after its apple-like scent.

Caffeine-freeFloralEvening

↓ Jump to brew guide About this herb Compare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

What you need

250 ml water100°C

Steep 5:002 steeps

InfusionPale gold

Served inMug or cup

At a glance

Dried chamomile flowers make one of the world's best-known herbal teas.

CaffeineCaffeine-free

Beginner fit9.5 / 10From the editor's score

HarvestLate winter and spring floweringFlowers are picked as they open.

Pairs withHoney, Shortbread, Oat biscuitsLess good with strong spice

Grown asFarm cropNile farmland, Egypt

Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Chamomile

What sources say about the taste

Sources link the name to the plant's apple-like scent ¹.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Plant: Matricaria chamomilla ¹
Name: Greek "earth apple" ¹²
Why: Apple-like scent of the plant ¹
Used as: Herbal tea from dried flowers ²

History and culture

Chamomile is used in herbal teas, foods, cosmetics and even beer ².

Egypt grows it on farms: the SEKEM organic farm network there runs an education project named Chamomile Children ³.

Editor's score

7.7/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg

Black tea (average)~47 mg

Green tea (average)~28 mg

Chamomile0 mg

Chamomile is caffeine-free. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo Clinic^C.

Harvest calendar

Harvest timing varies by growing region. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Matricaria chamomilla, a small daisy-like annual ¹.

How it is made

01Picking

Flower heads picked.

02Drying

Dried gently, out of the sun.

03Sorting

Whole heads sorted from dust.

Dry herb and infusion

**Dry flowers**Small whole flowers, yellow centres and white petals.

LiquorPale gold.

After steeping

Wet leafSoft, swollen flower heads.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

Honey
Shortbread
Oat biscuits

Best avoided

Strong spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.

Quality and buying

Whole flower heads are the best grade.

Buying tips

Can interact with blood thinners ¹.
Allergy is possible for people sensitive to daisies.

FAQ

Is it safe for everyone?

There is potential for interactions with anticoagulants: ask a doctor if unsure ¹.

Find it inHerbal infusions Teas from Egypt Nile farmlandCaffeine-freeFloralEvening

Sources

Wikipedia, "Matricaria chamomilla". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matricaria_chamomilla
Wikipedia, "Chamomile". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamomile
Wikipedia, "SEKEM". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEKEM
Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.