‘Sideritis Scardica’ is a herb which is prevalent across much of Northern Greece, and beyond. Most famously, it thrives on the mountainside of almighty Olympus; home to the twelve Olympian Gods of Ancient Greece, and where the name of this tea originates from. It was once highly regarded by the world-renowned physician, Hippocrates, and remains immensely popular throughout many Mediterranean and Balkan Countries.
Its flavours are notably herbaceous, but it likewise boasts slight floral and even fruity undertones with every further sip. Known for its incredible health benefits, Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea is the perfect choice for anyone looking to be adventurous.
It has also been proven to help improve digestive systems health, as well as lowering blood pressure, and even providing anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities!
The Magic of Greece
The Greeks are great lovers of this delicious beverage, with at least 17 different species of the Sideritis plant found within the country. However, in total, they are an estimated 150 different types of the Sideritis plant, including ‘Sideritis raeseri’, ‘Sideritis euboea’, ‘Sideritis montana’, and ‘Sideritis syriaca’.
It is also grown and consumed in Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey, as well as a number of other central and eastern European countries. Bulgaria, in particular, shares a fascinating history with ‘Olympus Tea’.
Such is its popularity that to this day, the Bulgarian Government have protected Sideritis Scardica by law! In fact, only but a few producers are permitted to harvest it, and even fewer still to cultivate it.
While Bulgaria was under the ‘Iron Curtain’ (1946-1990) during the Cold War (1945-1991), almost all knowledge of this herb was blocked from the public domain, with only members of the Communist Party permitted to consume it in tea-form!
Modern-day Bulgarians now consume ‘Mountain Tea’ on a regular basis, with it said to be “much akin to viagra” (need we say more?)
In Ancient Greece, ‘Sideritis’ was translated to mean “he who is made of or has iron”. This is thought to be in reference to Sideritis Scardica’s usage during battle, when it was placed on wounds inflicted by iron weapons. However, there is much mystery surrounding this, with many historians contesting this theory.
Today, this beverage is known by a variety of different names. These include “Mountain Tea”, “Olympus Tea”, “Shepherd’s Tea”, and even “Ironwort”. Sideritis Scardica, in particular, is the most widely researched.
While the Ancient Greeks, including Hippocrates and Pedanius Dioscorides, studied the Sideritis Scardica plant for its medicinal properties in tea-form, it was not until the 20th Century that further research was conducted to find out this brew’s true potential.
It is now known that Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea can provide incredible health benefits. To find out more information, please see our ‘Health Benefits’ section below.
Useful Information
Type of Tea: Herbal Tea.
Origin: Greece.
Ingredients: The Sideritis Scardica plant.
Brewing Instructions: The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company recommend using 1 teaspoon of the leaf. However, if you prefer a stronger cup, consider adding 1½ teaspoons. Brew using freshly boiled water, and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.
How to Serve: The addition of honey or lemon make delicious accompaniments with our Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea. Alternatively, this beverage is best served as it is.
Tasting Notes: Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea consists of delicate citrus aromas, and a delightful combination of earthy and sweet flavours. It is considered an especially refreshing beverage, and also offers smooth, floral undertones that linger on your palate long after you have drained your cup.
Colour in Cup: Golden-yellow liquor, light in tone.
Benefits of Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea
A recent study has indicated that Mountain Tea Sideritis Scardica Olympus Tea is “as potent as Green Tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative stress”, according to a published report in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
The frequent consumption of this beverage is also thought to potentially combat the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, although further research is required before any official confirmation can be made.
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