The mountain tea Sideritis scardica is endemic to the mountains of the Balkan peninsula (especially Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Depending on which mountain the tea grows, the tea will have a different aroma and profile of plant compounds. This tea is commonly associated with Greece and Greek culture, which is why it is often called "Greek mountain tea". Shepherds have consumed this tea for centuries while travelling with their herds. The herb is also used as a healthy spice in Greek cooking.
The most famous terroirs for this tea in Greece are the mythological Mt. Olympus and Mt. Othrys, also known as Titan Mountain. Mount Othrys was the site of the battle between the Greek gods and the titans and Mount Olympus was the home of the gods.
The mountain tea on Mt. Olympus grows at 1,100m elevation, under ideal conditions. Exclusively the seeds of wild, native mountain tea are planted on the mountain meadows. After planting, they are left in the nature to grow freely.
The tea is hand-harvested during the peak bloom period in June when the plant is richest in polyphenols. Only the upper stems and whole flowers are carefully selected and harvested. The pickings are then hung up to gently dry in the shade and are then packaged for Sunday. The process is as simple and natural as possible.
Single Origin
This tea is exclusively sourced from the above mentioned mountain fields on Mt. Olympus. Sourced directly from the farmer.
Organic Certification
