Can immortelle be mixed with other herbs, and how do you choose a combination? — Helichrysum arenarium flowers 25 g - Lekraset

Sandy everlasting has a pronounced character of its own: a dry, slightly spicy herbal note with light astringency. In blends it acts as a “base” or an accent ingredient rather than a neutral filler.

The manufacturer names several classic combinations: mint and lemon balm soften the astringency and add freshness; chamomile makes the taste milder and gives the drink a more neutral, soothing character; thyme enhances the spicy side and adds depth; citrus peel (lemon or orange) brings a slight tartness and brightness, nicely balancing the bitterness of immortelle.

When putting together a blend, it is easiest to start with a small proportion of immortelle — for example, one part immortelle to two or three parts of a more neutral herb — and gradually adjust the proportions to taste. Whole flower heads are easy to measure out and mix just before brewing, without losing any aroma.

For those building a home collection of herbs, immortelle is interesting precisely because of its versatility in blends: it gives the infusion a recognisable golden colour and a distinctive herbal note that is hard to reproduce with other plants.