Greek Mountain Tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a flavour profile that is similar to chamomile. Learn more about this herbal tea including health benefits and how to properly steep a cup.
What is Greek Mountain Tea?
Greek Mountain Tea is an herbal tea (or tisane) that is made by steeping the dried flowers, stems and leaves from the Sideritis plant. The flowers are a light yellow shade and the leaves have a light and fluffy texture.
This tea is appropriately named as the Sideritis plant grows in the Greece Mountains at high elevations. It doesn’t need much water or soil to survive! The term “sideritis” translates to “he who is made of iron”.
Greek mountain tea can go by a few different names such as Ironwort, Mountain Tea, Shepherd’s Tea.
Where to Buy
Greek mountain tea is commonly found in loose leaf form. It can be found in tea bag form as well, but just double check that it is 100% greek mountain tea only, not a blend.
I often find this herbal tea in the International aisle of my local grocery store but it can also be found online. Check out my recommendation that is available on Amazon here (affiliate link) if you’d like to try this tea.
Greek Mountain Tea Benefits
It is one of the most popular Greek herbs because of its medicinal properties. There are several studies that show that this tea may be beneficial towards the following:
– Digestive Health: This study shows that it could improve digestion as it reduced inflammation.
– Lower Blood Pressure: This study found that it helped lower blood pressure levels and relaxed blood vessels.
– Immune Support: It contains high levels of antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. This herbal tea is especially well-loved during the winter time because of it!
– Cognitive Health: This study shows that consuming this tea has a positive impact on those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Please note that you should always consult a medical professional before taking any herbs for health purposes.
How to Make Greek Mountain Tea
To prepare this herbal tea you will need:
- Water: Freshly boiled (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Greek Mountain Tea: Approximately 2-3 grams per 8 ounces. If you don’t have a food scale to measure the weight, you can use 2 teaspoons.
- Teaware: Teapot and/or mug with infuser basket or tea strainer
- Optional: Sweetener
Step-by-Step Instructions
Find a printable recipe card below with the full measurements and directions, too!
Step 1:
Warm up the teapot or mug, depending on which teaware you are using. To do so, add hot water to it, swirl around carefully and discard.
Step 2:
Add greek mountain tea to the warmed up teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the tea and steep for 7 minutes. Cover while steeping.
Step 3:
If using a teapot, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose greek mountain tea leaves. If using an infuser mug, simply remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
Step 4:
I like this herbal tea without sweetener but if desired, sweeten the cup of tea with honey, sugar or another sweetener. Sip and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greek mountain tea taste like?
Greek mountain tea steeps to a gorgeous yellow/gold colour and has an earthy and slightly floral taste. It is mild and similar to chamomile tea.
Can I make this tea iced?
Yes, you can make iced greek mountain tea. I recommend using a bit more leaves when steeping so it is stronger then let it chill in the fridge or pour over ice to enjoy immediately.
Is there caffeine in Greek mountain tea?
No. This tea is naturally caffeine-free. You can enjoy it any time of the day!
What other recipes can I make with this herbal tea?
Like other teas, you can think outside the cup and use this tea in other recipes. Make a greek mountain tea cake or greek tea bean salad.
Greek Mountain Tea
Ingredients
- 2-3 grams Greek Mountain Tea
- 1 cup water freshly boiled
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (ie. honey or sugar) optional
Instructions
- Warm up the teapot or mug, depending on what you are using. To do so, add hot water to it, swirl around carefully and discard.
- Add greek mountain tea to the warmed up teapot or infuser mug. Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over the tea and steep for 7 minutes. Cover while steeping.
- If using a teapot, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose greek mountain tea leaves. If using an infuser mug, simply remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
- If desired, sweeten the cup of greek mountain tea with honey, sugar or another sweetener. Sip and enjoy!