Organic Greek Mountain Tea

Organic Hand Picked Greek Mountain Tea - Ironwort (Sideritis Scardica) Herbal Tea.

Mountain tea/Shepherds Tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from a single variety of the sideritis plant. This plant grows wild at high elevations - over 3,200 feet and loves the sun and quite arid conditions. It doesnt need much soil, water or indeed care to survive. This means it grows in inaccessible places and is therefore harvested in small quantities. Also known as "Shepherd's Tea" or "Greek Mountain Tea," it is referred to in Greece as Tsai tou vounou, or "Tea of the mountain." 

Sideritis, commonly known as ironwort, got its name from the Greek word for iron, sideros. In ancient times, the herb was used to heal wounds caused by iron weapons during battles.

This tea has been drunk for centuries in Greece  Packed with antioxidants, it is naturally caffeine free and tastes like a blend of mint, chamomile and citrus.

Mountain tea contains high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential oils, including flavonoids. One study found that thanks to its powerful levels of antioxidants, mountain tea is as potent as Green Tea at promoting the body's antioxidant defences and preventing oxidative stress.

How to Prepare

To make a perfect cup of Mountain Tea use 2-3 stems per cup. All parts of the plant contain health benefits so break up 2/3 stems per cup. Put into a small saucepan with 8-10 fluid ounces of water for each cup of tea. Cover and simmer for 1-3 minutes. Keep the saucepan lid on to retain all the goodness. Turn off heat and allow tea to steep for 15 mins. Strain and serve with a little honey or lemon juice.