About Greek Cretan Mountain Tea (Malotiras) Organic
Mountain tea, ironwort, sideritis, shepherd’s tea, malotira are different names and varieties of the herb known since the age of Dioskourides (1st century AD) and is grown for ages in the mountains of Western Crete (Lefka ori and Psiloritis) in altitudes 900-2000m. Sideritis took its name from its ability to heal wounds made from iron pieces (sidiros means iron in Greek language). When the Venetian conquerors discovered the medicinal properties of the herb, they named it Malotira, which comes after the Latin words male (illness) and tirare (drag, push away); the panacea that pushes away all illness.
Our mountain tea is hand-picked and not farmed, during May-August in the mountains of Crete. Without any processing from its natural environment to your cup, maintaining intact its natural nutritional and aromatic characteristics. It has a floral aroma with a mild, sweet, earthy and flowery flavor.
The plant has been scientifically shown to offer a multitude of important health benefits as it has powerful antioxidant qualities previously recognised only in green tea. It is also shown to have potent antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant qualities. It is said to boost the immune system; drinking two to three cups of mountain tea every day is thought to help prevent or fight flu symptoms and stress-related ailments such as chest infections, a foggy head, digestive complaints, fatigue and anxiety. It is also known to help against diseases of the circulatory system (due to the flavonoids) and respiratory problems and anxiety.
Ingredients
Dried flower stems of Greek mountain tea plant.
Storage and shelf life
Store mountain tea in a cool, dry, airtight container, away from the sunlight and heat.
Mountain tea, when properly stored, can last for up to 2 years.
Shipping and delivery
The product is available for delivery and pick up from our store in de Pijp.
The product is delivered in recycled paper bags.
Nutricional information
This product contains no known allergens.
How to use
To make the tea, every part of the plant is used, but the flower buds hold the plant’s most potent medicinal properties. Brewing tip for 2 people; leave 2 or 3 whole branches to infuse in 1/2 litre of boiling water (95C – just let the water cool down for 1-2 minutes from boiling point) for 3-5 minutes depending how strong you like it. Add a spoonful of honey and few drops of lemon, or cinnamon stick with honey (for sore throat), or even a sprig of marjoram, dittany, mint or sage for more flavor.
Following the above process, you can also cool it down with ice and mix it with other herbs like mint, lavender or even with orange/ lemon peels to make an amazing natural healthy ice tea!
Flavor Pairings
Honey, cinnamon, lemon, lemon verbena, sage, mint
