Hawthorn Flower – Crataegus L. – Herba Organica

Description

Hawthorn Flower (Crataegus L.) Herbal Tea & Infusion Ingredient

Hawthorn Flower Herba Organica offers carefully prepared blossoms of Crataegus L., a traditional European botanical recognised for its delicate aroma, soft floral character, and natural complexity. These dried flowers retain their light texture and characteristic pale colour, making them ideal for herbal infusions, gentle decoctions, and aromatic blends. Their refined floral notes integrate seamlessly with a wide range of herbs, allowing for both traditional preparations and contemporary herbal compositions.

Historical and Botanical Background

Crataegus L., commonly known as Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub widely distributed across Europe and western Asia. It grows in hedgerows, woodland edges, and open countryside, producing clusters of small white blooms each spring. These blossoms have been referenced in European herbcraft and rural traditions for centuries, often valued for their subtle fragrance and role in seasonal herbal preparations.

Historical records show its steady presence in British and continental herbal practices, where the flowers were harvested during blossom season and incorporated into household infusions. Their mild floral profile made them suitable for single-herb preparations as well as multi-botanical blends, where they added lightness and aromatic depth.

Characteristics of Hawthorn Flower

Herba Organica’s Hawthorn Flower consists of small, intact blossoms and floral fragments with a light, airy structure that supports clean and efficient extraction. When steeped, the flowers yield a gentle infusion with soft floral notes, faint sweetness, and a delicate botanical aroma. The flavour is subtle yet expressive, offering a refined base for blends featuring herbs with citrus, green, or lightly aromatic profiles.

The flowers perform equally well in short infusions, extended steeping, and slow cold maceration. Their versatility ensures a consistently balanced sensory result across a wide range of preparation techniques.

Ingredients

100% Hawthorn Flower (Crataegus L.) – free from additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings. Provides the natural aromatic qualities of the hawthorn bloom.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses

Herbal Infusions

Hawthorn Flower produces a soft, floral infusion with a mild aroma and clean taste. It is suitable for everyday enjoyment or for creating gently aromatic tea blends.

Herbal Decoctions

Although delicate in structure, the flowers can also be used in light decoctions. A gentle simmer releases deeper floral tones and provides a more pronounced aromatic base.

Cold Macerates

For a subtle, refreshing preparation, Hawthorn Flower can be infused in cold water for several hours. This method results in a lightly aromatic extract with a smooth, understated floral character.

How to Prepare Hawthorn Flower

Herbal Infusion

To prepare a delicate floral infusion, add 1–2 teaspoons of Hawthorn Flower to 200–250 ml of hot water. Cover the cup or teapot to preserve the gentle aroma and allow the flowers to steep for 8–12 minutes. Once the infusion has developed its full, soft floral character, strain the liquid and serve. This method produces a light, aromatic beverage that highlights the subtle sweetness and natural fragrance of the hawthorn blossoms.

Light Herbal Decoction

For a more pronounced floral preparation, place 1–2 teaspoons of Hawthorn Flower in 200–250 ml of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 5–10 minutes, giving the flowers time to release deeper aromatic notes. Strain before serving to obtain a warm, fuller-bodied floral infusion, perfect for blending with other mild herbs or enjoying as a standalone aromatic drink.

Cold Macerate

To create a refreshing cold extract, combine 1–2 teaspoons of Hawthorn Flower with 200–250 ml of cold water. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and allow it to steep slowly for 6–8 hours. After maceration, strain the liquid to obtain a gentle, lightly aromatic extract that retains the delicate floral character of the hawthorn flowers, ideal for a cooling beverage or a subtle addition to herbal blends.

Suggested Herbal Blends with Hawthorn Flower

Floral Harmony Blend

Ingredients:
1 tsp Hawthorn Flower
1 tsp Rose Petals
1 tsp Linden Flower

Description:
This combination yields a soft, layered infusion where the gentle sweetness of hawthorn is supported by the floral character of rose and the mellow notes of linden.

Delicate Citrus–Floral Mix

Ingredients:
1 tsp Hawthorn Flower
½ tsp Lemon Balm
½ tsp Orange Peel

Description:
Produces a bright, aromatic blend in which citrus notes lift the subtle floral base, creating a balanced and refreshing preparation for hot or cold use.

Spring Meadow Herbal Blend

Ingredients:
1 tsp Hawthorn Flower
1 tsp Linden Flowers
½ tsp Chamomile Flower

Description:
A light, fragrant mixture inspired by traditional springtime herbs, offering a smooth, gently layered aroma suitable for warm infusions or chilled macerates.

A Versatile Floral Botanical

Hawthorn Flower Herba Organica provides a refined floral ingredient with deep roots in European herbal tradition. Its gentle aroma, subtle flavour, and excellent blending qualities make it an adaptable herb for infusions, decoctions, and lightly aromatic preparations, fitting naturally into both classic and modern herbal practices.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.