Greece Tea History
"LET THY FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND THY MEDICINE BE THY FOOD" - HIPPOCRATES
Greek tea culture refers to the way in which tea is prepared and served in Greece. Greek tea culture also extends to some other regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Herbal teas have existed in Greece since ancient times, and were praised by many ancient Greeks for their health benefits. True teas, such as black tea (Gr:μαύρο τσάι) and green tea (Gr:πράσινο τσάι) are also quite popular in Greece, however they are usually only served iced in the summer rather than hot all year round.
The caffeine free Greek Mountain Tea has been enjoyed for 1000’s of years in the Mediterranean for its health benefits and delicious taste. Also known as Shepherds Tea and Ironwort in English, almost every Greek region that grows this tea has its own name for it. Used for thousands of years for its delicious taste and health benefits “malotira” in Crete or “Olympos” or “Parnassos” are grouped together and known across Greece as Sideritis. It grows wild at elevations around 1000m and are cultivated in various mountainous regions of Greece where the herb comes into contact with greater humidity.
“Sideritis” can literally be translated as “he who is made of iron” and is typically made from wild handpicked dried flowers, leaves and stems of Sideritis genus plants can include over 150 available species of Sideritis at these altitudes which combine to make a floral, earthy sweet flavour with humble origins.
Ancient Greece
Some of these plants were known to Ancient Greece and writers Pedanius Dioscorides and Theophrastus described 3 species of High mountain tea. Ancient Greek biologist Theophrastus (372-287 BC) who is considered to be the father of botany, has written that Sideritis, was so named because of its property to heal wounds from iron objects. The herbs were capable of healing wounds caused by the iron weapons Ancient Greek fighters encountered during battle. The shape of the stem of the plant also resembled a spear, long and slender with a spear head due to its unique sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), Style (the bit in the middle of the flower that sticks up) and Stigma (the end of the style). Thus, ancient Greeks not only believed it was a refreshment and a remedy for the common winter cold but also a medicine for far more serious conditions, such as injuries.
Wide Range of Benefits
In 2011, the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” looked at the flavonoid content of all 150+ plants within Sideritis and found that every plant was rich in flavonoids and it has incredible effects as an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-spasmodic. It seems that almost all species contain essential oils including natural antioxidants and a study found that mountain tea was as powerful as green tea in stimulating cellular antioxidant defences and reducing oxidative stres
Greeks are not known for their love for tea, as the British or the Turkish are. However, when it comes to tea, the first variety that a Greek would mention is ”chai tou vounou”, or Greek mountain tea.
GREEK MOUNTAIN TEA - (TSAI TOU VOUNOU)
Greek Mountain tea (pronounced “tsy-too-VOO-noo”) is unique in the world of herbal infusions. It is made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the native Sideritis plant which grows throughout the mountainous regions of Greece at very high elevations - typically over 3,000 feet.
This rather unassuming plant, with its tiny pale yellow flowers, light green buds and silvery leaves is known for its high levels of antioxidants and contains large amounts of essential oils and a broad range of other phyto-nutrients including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, caffeic acid and quercetin. And within these classes of phyto-nutrients exist a broad range of compounds.
For example, flavanoids are a type or class of phyo-nutrient and within that class the Sideritis plant contains twenty-four known compounds such as hyplaetin, luteolin and isoscutelarin.
Greek Mountain Tea is also known as Shepherd’s Tea, because Greek shepherds would use the herb to make tea while tending their flocks high in the mountains.
A range of biological effects has been attributed to Sideritis extracts and infusions in multiple research studies, such as antioxidant, oxidative stress, reduction, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities. In ethnobotanical practices, Greek mountain tea has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, as well as common cold and cough symptoms. A recent study shows that Greek mountain tea is as potent as Green tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defense and preventing oxidative stress.
The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, hailed Greek Mountain Tea for its benefits to the immune system and the respiratory system. For thousands of years, Greek families have been drinking the tea because they believe it has an abundance of health benefits. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, ancient wisdom says it has a positive effect on colds, respiratory problems, digestion, the immune system and mild anxiety. Recent studies indicate that it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and even cancer and has a positive effect on a myriad of different ailments including colds, fevers, respiratory problems, digestion problems, and anxiety.
There are many varieties of the Sideritis herb – each variety exhibits subtle differences in flavor and aroma, a reflection of the mountain region of Greece in which they grow and the varietal genetics. The herbs are cultivated in small plots by hand in pristine environments at high elevations around small mountain villages and are also gathered in the wild. They are harvested in mid summer by cutting the stems at base of the plant, allowing the plant to continue to grow and develop seeds for continued proliferation. The cuttings are then air dried for several weeks before being packaged for shipping.
There is even a recent German study which suggests that Greek mountain tea can even be a powerful friend in our fight against Alzheimer’s disease, which leads to the degeneration of brain cells, due to its energy-boosting properties that keep the brain active.
The Sideritis variety can be found in abundance in most Mediterranean regions, from the Iberic peninsula all the way to the Asian coast of the Mediterranean Sea.Its consumption, however, is very popular in the southern parts of the Balkan peninsula and in Turkey. Traditionally Greeks prefer mountain tea during wintertime.It is mainly used as a treatment for its beneficial effect on colds and upper respiratory tract infections.Many also drink it for indigestion and gastrointestinal disorders and is even considered an anticonvulsant.
Greek mountain tea is rich in caffeine, which acts as a stimulant of the nervous system, but there are traces of theobromine, a diuretic, which acts on the respiratory system.Its fresh leaves are also quite rich in vitamin C.
Sideritis/Ironwort
Known colloquially as mountain tea, shepherds’ tea, or just Greek tea, Sideritis (Gr: σιδηρίτις) is a herbal tea made by infusing the plant, Sideritis (also known as "ironwort") in hot or boiling water. It has many health benefits, including alleviating stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, and fighting cold and flu symptoms, among other benefits. It was praised by Hippocrates for its health benefits.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea (Gr:χαμομήλι τσάι) is also very popular in Greece. Chamomile grows abundantly in the Greek countryside, and many people pick chamomile flowers that they see growing wild. It has many health benefits, including alleviating stress and anxiety, treating insomnia, promoting weight loss, aiding digestion, and relieving symptoms of nausea and sickness. In Greece, chamomile teabags are usually not used, only dried chamomile flowers.
Mint
Mint (Gr:τσάι μέντας) is quite popular in Greece. Several varieties of mint, including spearmint and peppermint, grow abundantly throughout the Greek countryside. Both fresh and dried mint can be purchased in bulk from most well-stocked supermarkets in Greece. Mint is also used in many traditional Greek recipes. In Greece, spearmint is usually used for making tea rather than peppermint. Mint tea is renowned in Greece for its many health benefits, such as aiding digestion, sleep, and relieving nausea, among other benefits.
Thyme
Thyme (Gr:θυμάρι) is also used to make tea in Greece. Thyme tea has been known in Greece since ancient times, and the Spartans were said to have added it to their bathwater as they believed it would serve as a fortifying tonic for the body. One Greek legend says that thyme was created from the tears of Helen of Troy. Rich in antioxidants, this tea is also useful for preventing ageing from within. In Ancient Greece, many churches burnt thyme during mass.
Sage
Sage (φασκόμηλο) is also used to make tea in Greece. It is considered a holy herb in Greece, and has a long history. Ancient Greek women brewed it for their husbands returning home from war. In Greece today, sage tea is usually drunk as a medicine rather than a recreational beverage. Sage tea can be made from either fresh or dried sage.
Linden flower
A Greek folk tale says that if one falls asleep near linden flowers (Gr:λινάρι λουλούδι), they will be transported to a land of fairies. This legend has some truth to it, as linden flowers are said to develop narcotic or hallucinogenic properties if left on the ground for too long. Linden flower tea in Greece is sometimes boiled in goats’ milk to make it more palatable for young children, however, it is far more common to infuse linden flowers in hot or boiling water. Linden flower tea is praised for its health benefits in Greece.
Preparation
In Ancient Greece, it was very common to make tea by adding the herbs to cold water and slowly boiling it. This tradition still exists, however, it is more common in Greece today to place the desired herbs or teabag(s) in a teapot or French press, adding hot or boiling water, and leaving it to infuse for the desired amount of time. This technique is used by most Greek restaurants today, however many traditional Greek restaurants will make tea using the former method.
Serving
In Greece, it is very common to add honey to tea, and sometimes lemon. Greek tea is traditionally served in a tall ceramic cup with a small handle near the rim, on a saucer. In Ancient Greece, it was very common to offer herbal tea to a guest in your home. This tradition still exists, although it is nowhere near as common as it once was. Teapots are not very traditional in Greece, but are becoming increasingly popualar, along with the French press. Cast-iron teapots have a relatively long history in Greece, although ceramic teapots are more common today.
Greek tea culture refers to the way in which tea is prepared and served in Greece. Greek tea culture also extends to some other regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Herbal teas have existed in Greece since ancient times, and were praised by many ancient Greeks for their health benefits. True teas, such as black tea (Gr:μαύρο τσάι) and green tea (Gr:πράσινο τσάι) are also quite popular in Greece, however they are usually only served iced in the summer rather than hot all year round.
The caffeine free Greek Mountain Tea has been enjoyed for 1000’s of years in the Mediterranean for its health benefits and delicious taste. Also known as Shepherds Tea and Ironwort in English, almost every Greek region that grows this tea has its own name for it. Used for thousands of years for its delicious taste and health benefits “malotira” in Crete or “Olympos” or “Parnassos” are grouped together and known across Greece as Sideritis. It grows wild at elevations around 1000m and are cultivated in various mountainous regions of Greece where the herb comes into contact with greater humidity.
“Sideritis” can literally be translated as “he who is made of iron” and is typically made from wild handpicked dried flowers, leaves and stems of Sideritis genus plants can include over 150 available species of Sideritis at these altitudes which combine to make a floral, earthy sweet flavour with humble origins.
Ancient Greece
Some of these plants were known to Ancient Greece and writers Pedanius Dioscorides and Theophrastus described 3 species of High mountain tea. Ancient Greek biologist Theophrastus (372-287 BC) who is considered to be the father of botany, has written that Sideritis, was so named because of its property to heal wounds from iron objects. The herbs were capable of healing wounds caused by the iron weapons Ancient Greek fighters encountered during battle. The shape of the stem of the plant also resembled a spear, long and slender with a spear head due to its unique sepal (the bits at the base of the flower), Style (the bit in the middle of the flower that sticks up) and Stigma (the end of the style). Thus, ancient Greeks not only believed it was a refreshment and a remedy for the common winter cold but also a medicine for far more serious conditions, such as injuries.
Wide Range of Benefits
In 2011, the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” looked at the flavonoid content of all 150+ plants within Sideritis and found that every plant was rich in flavonoids and it has incredible effects as an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-spasmodic. It seems that almost all species contain essential oils including natural antioxidants and a study found that mountain tea was as powerful as green tea in stimulating cellular antioxidant defences and reducing oxidative stres
Greeks are not known for their love for tea, as the British or the Turkish are. However, when it comes to tea, the first variety that a Greek would mention is ”chai tou vounou”, or Greek mountain tea.
GREEK MOUNTAIN TEA - (TSAI TOU VOUNOU)
Greek Mountain tea (pronounced “tsy-too-VOO-noo”) is unique in the world of herbal infusions. It is made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the native Sideritis plant which grows throughout the mountainous regions of Greece at very high elevations - typically over 3,000 feet.
This rather unassuming plant, with its tiny pale yellow flowers, light green buds and silvery leaves is known for its high levels of antioxidants and contains large amounts of essential oils and a broad range of other phyto-nutrients including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, caffeic acid and quercetin. And within these classes of phyto-nutrients exist a broad range of compounds.
For example, flavanoids are a type or class of phyo-nutrient and within that class the Sideritis plant contains twenty-four known compounds such as hyplaetin, luteolin and isoscutelarin.
Greek Mountain Tea is also known as Shepherd’s Tea, because Greek shepherds would use the herb to make tea while tending their flocks high in the mountains.
A range of biological effects has been attributed to Sideritis extracts and infusions in multiple research studies, such as antioxidant, oxidative stress, reduction, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities. In ethnobotanical practices, Greek mountain tea has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, as well as common cold and cough symptoms. A recent study shows that Greek mountain tea is as potent as Green tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defense and preventing oxidative stress.
The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, hailed Greek Mountain Tea for its benefits to the immune system and the respiratory system. For thousands of years, Greek families have been drinking the tea because they believe it has an abundance of health benefits. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, ancient wisdom says it has a positive effect on colds, respiratory problems, digestion, the immune system and mild anxiety. Recent studies indicate that it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and even cancer and has a positive effect on a myriad of different ailments including colds, fevers, respiratory problems, digestion problems, and anxiety.
There are many varieties of the Sideritis herb – each variety exhibits subtle differences in flavor and aroma, a reflection of the mountain region of Greece in which they grow and the varietal genetics. The herbs are cultivated in small plots by hand in pristine environments at high elevations around small mountain villages and are also gathered in the wild. They are harvested in mid summer by cutting the stems at base of the plant, allowing the plant to continue to grow and develop seeds for continued proliferation. The cuttings are then air dried for several weeks before being packaged for shipping.
There is even a recent German study which suggests that Greek mountain tea can even be a powerful friend in our fight against Alzheimer’s disease, which leads to the degeneration of brain cells, due to its energy-boosting properties that keep the brain active.
The Sideritis variety can be found in abundance in most Mediterranean regions, from the Iberic peninsula all the way to the Asian coast of the Mediterranean Sea.Its consumption, however, is very popular in the southern parts of the Balkan peninsula and in Turkey. Traditionally Greeks prefer mountain tea during wintertime.It is mainly used as a treatment for its beneficial effect on colds and upper respiratory tract infections.Many also drink it for indigestion and gastrointestinal disorders and is even considered an anticonvulsant.
Greek mountain tea is rich in caffeine, which acts as a stimulant of the nervous system, but there are traces of theobromine, a diuretic, which acts on the respiratory system.Its fresh leaves are also quite rich in vitamin C.
Sideritis/Ironwort
Known colloquially as mountain tea, shepherds’ tea, or just Greek tea, Sideritis (Gr: σιδηρίτις) is a herbal tea made by infusing the plant, Sideritis (also known as "ironwort") in hot or boiling water. It has many health benefits, including alleviating stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, and fighting cold and flu symptoms, among other benefits. It was praised by Hippocrates for its health benefits.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea (Gr:χαμομήλι τσάι) is also very popular in Greece. Chamomile grows abundantly in the Greek countryside, and many people pick chamomile flowers that they see growing wild. It has many health benefits, including alleviating stress and anxiety, treating insomnia, promoting weight loss, aiding digestion, and relieving symptoms of nausea and sickness. In Greece, chamomile teabags are usually not used, only dried chamomile flowers.
Mint
Mint (Gr:τσάι μέντας) is quite popular in Greece. Several varieties of mint, including spearmint and peppermint, grow abundantly throughout the Greek countryside. Both fresh and dried mint can be purchased in bulk from most well-stocked supermarkets in Greece. Mint is also used in many traditional Greek recipes. In Greece, spearmint is usually used for making tea rather than peppermint. Mint tea is renowned in Greece for its many health benefits, such as aiding digestion, sleep, and relieving nausea, among other benefits.
Thyme
Thyme (Gr:θυμάρι) is also used to make tea in Greece. Thyme tea has been known in Greece since ancient times, and the Spartans were said to have added it to their bathwater as they believed it would serve as a fortifying tonic for the body. One Greek legend says that thyme was created from the tears of Helen of Troy. Rich in antioxidants, this tea is also useful for preventing ageing from within. In Ancient Greece, many churches burnt thyme during mass.
Sage
Sage (φασκόμηλο) is also used to make tea in Greece. It is considered a holy herb in Greece, and has a long history. Ancient Greek women brewed it for their husbands returning home from war. In Greece today, sage tea is usually drunk as a medicine rather than a recreational beverage. Sage tea can be made from either fresh or dried sage.
Linden flower
A Greek folk tale says that if one falls asleep near linden flowers (Gr:λινάρι λουλούδι), they will be transported to a land of fairies. This legend has some truth to it, as linden flowers are said to develop narcotic or hallucinogenic properties if left on the ground for too long. Linden flower tea in Greece is sometimes boiled in goats’ milk to make it more palatable for young children, however, it is far more common to infuse linden flowers in hot or boiling water. Linden flower tea is praised for its health benefits in Greece.
Preparation
In Ancient Greece, it was very common to make tea by adding the herbs to cold water and slowly boiling it. This tradition still exists, however, it is more common in Greece today to place the desired herbs or teabag(s) in a teapot or French press, adding hot or boiling water, and leaving it to infuse for the desired amount of time. This technique is used by most Greek restaurants today, however many traditional Greek restaurants will make tea using the former method.
Serving
In Greece, it is very common to add honey to tea, and sometimes lemon. Greek tea is traditionally served in a tall ceramic cup with a small handle near the rim, on a saucer. In Ancient Greece, it was very common to offer herbal tea to a guest in your home. This tradition still exists, although it is nowhere near as common as it once was. Teapots are not very traditional in Greece, but are becoming increasingly popualar, along with the French press. Cast-iron teapots have a relatively long history in Greece, although ceramic teapots are more common today.