By Kelsey
Last week, Seda and I brought in the first chamomile harvest of the season! Harvesting chamomile is a task that requires patience and stamina. We use chamomile rakes and gently comb through the plants, trying to get as many open flowers as we can into our baskets. It is hard on the back, but it is also soothing to breathe in the nutty, floral aroma of the sweet little flower.
Chamomile is a plant that often gets pigeonholed as either “for sleep” or “for digestion.” And while it is absolutely a wonderful sleep aid and digestive remedy, I think sometimes its true power is underestimated. One of my herbal teachers, David Hoffmann, has a quote: “when in doubt, use nettle.” I think one could just as easily say, “when in doubt, use chamomile.”
Chamomile is so powerful precisely because it is so gentle. It relaxes and tones the nervous system, eases tension in the body, and soothes inflamed and irritated tissues. Its ability to work on both the physical and psychological make it well suited to all kinds of conditions: insomnia, anxiety, migraines, ulcers, colic, diarrhea, vertigo, conjunctivitis, flu, neuralgia, muscular tension, head colds, allergies, teething (which has been very important for me these days!)… the list could go on and on. Drink a cup of hot tea, add it to a bath, infuse it in olive oil or honey… there are so many ways to prepare this pretty little flower and they are all delicious!
Open Field Farm 2024 | The "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW" guide for members
CSA Barn Hours:
Current Summer hours: 2:30-6:30 PM
(Winter hours: 2:30-6PM)
Pick List:
Eggs
Fresh garlic
Scallions
Fennel
Chard
Collard
Lettuce
Parsley and Cilantro
Strawberries
Pick your own flowers and herbs, mostly in the herb circle and perennials
Sonora Wheat Flour
Tea Blends (Please BYO jars!)
Beef Bone Broth for sale! (Made by Olla Products)
Saltonstall Olive Oil for sale (Please BYO jars!)
Revolution Bread on Tuesday and Friday
Strawberries with Chamomile Cream
Adapted from https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/strawberries-with-chamomile-cream
1 cup chilled heavy cream divided in half
2 teaspoons dry or 2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers
2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered
3 tablespoons sugar divided in half
1- heat 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around edges of pan. Remove from heat; add chamomile. Let steep 20 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, cover and chill until cold.
2- meanwhile, toss strawberries with half the sugar in a medium bowl to coat. Set aside to allow juices to form.
3- strain chamomile through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Add remaining cream and sugar. Using an electric mixer (or if you want a workout, a fork) beat chamomile cream until soft peaks form.
4- divide berries among bowls. Spoon chamomile whipped cream over the berries. Enjoy!