H-GR-059

Mountain Tea (Sideritis)

τσάι του βουνού

Whole dried aerial tisane, from Olympus, Greece.

Herbal tisanes

Mountain Tea (Sideritis) is strongest on smoothness, sweetness and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: chamomile, honey, lemon, cut hay. Known to Dioscorides who recorded its use by soldiers wounded by iron weapons, hence its botanical name Ironwort. A staple hot beverage in Greek households, customarily simmered whole in an ibrik with a dollop of honey and lemon.

Also known as Greek Mountain Tea, Ironwort and Tsai tou Vounou.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness3bitterness1astringency1umami0brightness2body2smoothness5aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral3fruity0vegetal2marine0nutty0toasty0malty0honey3spicy1woody1earthy2smoky0creamy0citrus2stone fruit0tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Olympus, Greece
Plant: Sideritis scardica whole stems and flowers
Harvest: Mid-summer
Elevation: high
Oxidation: to %
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: bud and leaf
Price band: affordable
Availability: common
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: none

Made by: hand harvesting, then bunching, then shade drying.

Caffeine

Mountain Tea (Sideritis) is caffeine-free. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Low enough to suit the evening for most people. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	95 to 100 °C	6 min, 8 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 2 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

afternoon
evening
night
cold_weather
bedtime
relaxing
evening

Pairs with pastry and cheese. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.