{
  "version": "1.0",
  "type": "ingredient-guide",
  "slug": "chamomile",
  "canonical_url": "https://leafandlarder.com/chamomile.html",
  "name": "Chamomile",
  "category": "botanical-infusion",
  "botanical_name": "Matricaria chamomilla L.",
  "plant_part": "dried flower heads",
  "forms": [
    "whole flowers",
    "cut flowers",
    "tea bags",
    "blends"
  ],
  "flavor_profile": [
    "floral",
    "apple-like",
    "hay-like"
  ],
  "last_reviewed": "2026-08-15",
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Matricaria chamomilla",
      "url": "https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/154715-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "FAO/WHO Codex material on herbal tea commodity groupings",
      "url": "https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/zh/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FMeetings%252FCX-718-52%252FWDs%252Fpr52_08e.pdf"
    }
  ],
  "decision_notes": {
    "identity": "Chamomile is a botanical infusion rather than tea made from Camellia sinensis.",
    "form": "Whole or visibly intact flowers are useful when floral clarity and plant identification matter."
  },
  "uses": [
    "herbal infusion",
    "tea blends",
    "syrups",
    "cream infusions",
    "poaching liquids"
  ],
  "storage": "Keep dried flowers tightly sealed, cool, dark, and dry.",
  "faqs": [
    {
      "question": "Is chamomile a true tea?",
      "answer": "No. It is generally a flower-based botanical infusion, not tea made from Camellia sinensis."
    },
    {
      "question": "How should chamomile be stored?",
      "answer": "Keep dried flowers tightly sealed in a cool, dark, dry cupboard."
    }
  ],
  "commerce": {
    "status": "not_for_sale",
    "disclosure": "Editorial information, not a product offer or health advice."
  }
}