Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Herbal Tea (Greek Mountain Tea)
Where to Buy: Klío™
Tea Description:
Greek Mountain tea (pronounced “Tsy-Too-VooNoo” in Greek, accent on the “voo”) is made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the native Sideritis plant which grows throughout the mountainous regions of Greece at very high elevations – typically over 3,000 feet. It is known for its high levels of antioxidants and contains large amounts of essential oils and more than 60 other compounds, including saponines, flavonoids and polyphenols. The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, hailed Greek Mountain Tea for its benefits to the immune system and the respiratory system. For thousands of years, Greek families have been drinking the tea because they believe it has an abundance of health benefits. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, ancient wisdom says it has a positive effect on colds, respiratory problems, digestion, the immune system and mild anxiety. Modern science is now finding many of those stories to be true: recent studies indicate that it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and even cancer and has a positive effect on a myriad of different ailments including colds, fevers, respiratory problems, digestion problems, and anxiety. Like all of our teas, Klio Greek Mountain Tea is a single varietal, whole leaf, organic tea, pure and unprocessed. Research has shown Greek Mountain Tea to be rich in antioxidants. The actual amounts vary by species and location. This offering of Greek Mountain Tea comes from Mount Othrys and we have tested it for antioxidants by Brunswick Labs, (www.brunswicklabs.com) the leader in antioxidant testing. One ten ounce serving of our Mount Othrys Greek Mountain Tea has an ORAC 5.0 antioxidant score of approximately 7,000 and approximately 120 mg of polyphenols.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™…I have been pondering this review for way too long but NOT because I didn’t enjoy it! It’s just so very different from anything I have tried before and in a category of its own to say the least. Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™ is a Tsai Tou VouNou Tea and made up of dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the native Sideritis plant which grows throughout the mountainous regions of Greece (hence the name Greek Mountain Tea).
I’ve read that Greek Mountain Tea is also known as Shepherd’s Tea, because Greek shepherds would use the herb to make tea while tending their flocks high in the mountains. But the history of this tea is more than that. The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) hailed Greek Mountain Tea for its benefits to the immune system and the respiratory system. For thousands of years, Greek families have been drinking the tea because they believe it has an abundance of health benefits. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, ancient wisdom says it has a positive effect on colds, respiratory problems, digestion, the immune system and mild anxiety. Modern science is now finding many of those stories to be true: recent studies indicate that it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and even cancer and has a positive effect on a myriad of different ailments including colds, fevers, and respiratory problems.
I figured since we are in the middle of cold and flu season I always like to be as preventative as possible and as natural as possible so I have been sipping on this herbal tisane as of late.
Going beyond the potential benefits of Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™ I also want to touch on the sight, smell, and taste of this herbal, too!
Dry Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™ smells like a combination of Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and/or Lemon Balm OR Lemon Verbena but it’s not identical to any one of those aromas specifically or individually. Once the loose herbs are wet they smell more like Lemon Verbena with a hint of mint.
The loose herbs I am writing about here are what would make any tea or tisane fan do a double take! I will try and do my best to describe them to you a bit more. Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™ is made up of off-white fuzzy, furry, twigs, leaves, buds, blossoms, and flowers. I enjoyed inspecting them, touching them, and appreciating them prior to infusing them.
Once infused this herbal cuppa is extremely comforting, pleasant, light, thirst-quenching, and hydrating. It’s creamy and silky smooth. The mid-sip on to the after-taste is reminiscent of lemon verbena, gentle yet sweet and subtle apple, and refreshing-mintiness. It’s similar to a chamomile but quite different. It’s not as floral as chamomile tends to be and doesn’t leave a lingering musty-floral after-taste like some chamomiles tend to do.
This is truly unique and I’m so thankful I was able to sample this and review it for you. Greek Mountain Tea from Klío™ started a new sub category of tea and tisanes for those of us who enjoy the second most consumed beverage on the planet.
