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Greek Chamomile Net Wt. 2 oz

Greek Chamomile
Net Wt. 2 oz

 

Greek Mountain Tea  Net Wt. 40 gr.

Greek Mountain Tea
Net Wt. 40 gr.

 



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Greek Mountain Tea

Greek mountain tea can be found in almost every Greek household.  When the weather turns cooler and the first signs of an impending cold or cough manifest themselves, when the limbs aches, or when you just feel under the weather, a tea made from the dried stalks of Sideritis cretica has beneficial and curative effect.  The twigs are broken into pieces, which are then put into a pan of boiling water.  They are left over a low heat for at least five minutes to infuse rather than to simmer, and then strained straight into cups.  The addition of cinnamon sticks enhances the flavor still further.  The Greek ironwort is a medium-high shrub that has an upright form, with opposing, wooly leaves growing on straight, relatively non-branching stalks.  The plant manages to survive on sites with hot, dry summers.  Its small, yellow flowers are rather unobtrusive.  The botanical name Sideritis, derived from the Greek word  sideros, meaning iron, indicates this plant's areas of application in ancient medicine.  It was used externally for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties in the case of "wounds from iron struck into limbs," and internally for its ability to strengthen the body's powers of resistance.  When the Venetians discovered the tea, they called it malotira because it "draws out the illness."

This special variety of ironwort, Sideritis cretica, thrives in the highlands of Greece and is considered particularly effective and aromatic among mountain tea connoisseurs
 
Break the stalks into pieces.  Pour over boiling water, cover, and quickly bring to a boil.  Leave to infuse to the desired strenght, then strain into cups.



 


excerpts from: "Culinaria Greece"

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