Greek Mountain tea (Tsai tou vounou)

A Greek herbal tea, called tsai tou vounou (or mountain tea) in Greek is made by boiling flowering plants called Sideritis. This is often found and harvested on the mountains of Greece, hence its name. It is a wonderful, fragrant and flavourful tea that is caffeine-free and perfect any time of the day.

Greek mountain tea (τσάι του βουνού) is made with a genus of flowering plants called Sideritis (which literally translates into “he who is made of, or has, iron”).  This is a plant which is resilient and stubborn, producing flowering shrubs which are capable of growing at high altitudes with little soil, or even on the surface of rocks. It is sometimes referred to as ironwort or shepherd’s tea.   It is a pretty tea, with little yellow flowers, silver tinged leaves, and light green buds. It is usually sold in Greek markets or on-line, in dried branches or stems.  

How to make Greek mountain tea or tsai tou vounou

Mountain tea is made using a method called decoction (that’s right…this blog will also make you smarter).  Decoction is a way of extracting chemicals and other goodies from plants by boiling them.  What you end up with, in this case the mountain tea which results from this process,  is also called a decoction.  Greek mountain tea has a very unique earthy taste, and a floral scent, particularly if you use the flowers  (which you should).

Recipe variations

My koumbara often adds a cinnamon stick, some cloves, and a bit of nutmeg to the pot while she is making her Greek mountain tea. It is actually a really great addition, and now I do that too sometimes! I skip the cloves though because I really don”t like the flavour.

How to serve

I often like to add some honey in my Greek mountain in tea. Some people like to sweeten it with sugar, but I much prefer honey, and preferably Greek honey.

If I am having my tsai tou vounou as an afternoon treat, I will often enjoy it with a cookie or two. Classic Greek Koulourakia or Amygdalota would go so perfectly with it!

Is Greek mountain tea good for you?

Hippocrates, father of modern medicine, and all around great guy, claimed that Greek mountain tea would boost the immune system and resolve respiratory issues.  There are more recent reports of its medicinal properties as well, including the belief that it can, amongst other things, lower blood pressure, fight the common cold, and aid in digestion. I have not conducted a thorough review of the scientific literature examining the potential  benefits of Sideritis, and therefore feel ill equipped to make any health claims on its behalf. I do know this however; when I am feeling a bit under the weather, a nice warm cup of tsai tou vounou seems to nip whatever may have been decocting in the bud (did you see what I did there?).

Related recipes

Chamomile tea (Χαμομήλι) Another lovely Greek tea is Chamomile tea, called hamomili – perfect for anything that ails you!

Chamomile and basil iced tea (Κρύο τσάι από χαμομήλι και βασιλικό) Here I steep chamomile tea with some fresh basil and serve it chilled, over ice. It is an incredibly refreshing and delicious drink.

Hot toddy Feeling under the weather? Try this fixer-upper! Made with lemon juice, honey, water and alcohol like rum or brandy, this is sure to challenge any bug you have!

Thanks for sharing!