Wild-harvested Sideritis scardica from Mount Othrys, central Greece — hand-picked in May and June at over 1,700 metres altitude, shade-dried at ambient temperature to preserve all scent and flavour. Pure, unblended, caffeine-free. Produced by Othrys Farms, a family business with over 50 years of experience and three generations of cultivation in the Mount Othrys region. Exported to 16 countries. Exhibited at SIAL Paris 2022.
Mount Othrys lies on the borders of Magnesia Prefecture in central Greece — rocky, dry soils at high altitude that create ideal conditions for wild aromatic herbs. In Ancient Greek mythology, Othrys was the mountain of the Titans and the kingdom of the Myrmidons, led by Achilles. Aromatic plant cultivation began in the area in the early 1960s, when mountain tea was planted near where it grew naturally. Over the following decades it became the primary occupation for locals, who expanded into oregano, chamomile, and sage as well. Othrys Farms has been part of that tradition since the beginning — three generations, more than half a century.
What makes Othrys Mountain Tea different
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100% pure Sideritis scardica — no blends, fillers, or additives
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Wild-harvested by hand — picked May–June on Mount Othrys at 1,700m+ altitude
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Shade-dried naturally — ambient temperature drying preserves the essential oils, polyphenols, and flavour
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Three-generation family producer — over 50 years of experience, 16-country export reach
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Naturally caffeine-free — suitable morning, afternoon, or before bed
- Non-GMO | No pesticides | Gluten free
What is Greek Mountain Tea?
Greek Mountain Tea — known botanically as Sideritis scardica and colloquially as Shepherd's Tea, Ironwort, or Tsai tou vounou — is a flowering wild herb that grows on rocky, high-altitude slopes across Greece and the Balkans. The name Sideritis comes from the ancient Greek word for iron (sideros). It has been part of the Greek herbal tradition for over 2,000 years — the ancient physician Dioscorides documented its use in the 1st century AD. Greek shepherds have brewed it daily for generations on the high slopes, valuing it for its warmth and flavour in the harsh mountain climate.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Earthy, gently floral, with mountain herb character — subtle hints of oregano and wildflowers
Taste: Clean and mild, with a natural sweetness and earthy depth
Finish: Warm and lingering — satisfying without any bitterness
How to brew
Classic Greek method: Place one loosely packed teaspoon (1–2g) into a cup or small pot. Pour water just off the boil (90–95°C). Steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain. For the most authentic experience, sweeten with Orino Mountain Honey and add lemon.
Iced mountain tea: Brew double-strength, strain, pour over ice with honey and lemon.
About Othrys Farms
Othrys Farms is based in Athens and has cultivated aromatic plants on and around Mount Othrys for over 50 years — a three-generation family operation. The company specialises in Sideritis (Mountain Tea), oregano, chamomile, and sage, all harvested in the traditional way and dried in the shade at ambient temperature. Othrys Farms exports to 16 countries and exhibited at SIAL Paris 2022, one of the world's most important food trade exhibitions.
Quick specs
- Contents: 2 x 50g (approximately 50 cups)
- Harvest: May–June, hand-picked on Mount Othrys (1,700m+ altitude)
- Drying: Shade-dried at ambient temperature
- Certification: Non-GMO, no pesticides, gluten free
- Caffeine: None
- Producer: Othrys Farms — family business, 3 generations, 50+ years experience, Athens, Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does it taste like?
Earthy and gently floral, with a natural mild sweetness and wild mountain herb character. The aroma has subtle hints of oregano and wildflowers. Clean, warm, and satisfying — nothing harsh or medicinal.
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Why is shade-drying important?
Shade-drying at ambient temperature preserves the essential oils, polyphenols, and flavour compounds that are degraded by heat or mechanical drying. It is the traditional method and the reason Othrys mountain tea smells and tastes the way it does.
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How does it compare to chamomile?
Both are caffeine-free herbal teas, but they are very different in flavour and character. Chamomile is soft and apple-like with mild sedative properties. Greek mountain tea is earthier, more complex, and more versatile — enjoyable at any time of day.
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What is the best pairing?
Orino Mountain Honey — raw, unfiltered, harvested from wild mountain regions of Greece. A drizzle of mountain honey in the cup is how shepherds have enjoyed it for centuries.
