Mountain tea honey (Malotira)

Malotira grows on rocky ridge slopes, generally at high altitudes, between 500m and 2000m. It is distinguished by its small yellow flowers and downy leaves.
It is also known by the scientific name of Sideritis syriaca, or “Tsai Tou Vounou” in Greek (mountain tea). It is a medicinal plant endemic to the mountains of Crete, where it is highly prized for its therapeutic virtues. Also known as “Cretan mountain tea” or “shepherds’ tea”, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Balcan peninsula, it thrives on poor, stony or sandy soils.

A precious honey par excellence, Mountain Tea honey (Malotira) is an integral part of our range of unusual honeys.

Malotira is a particularly rare honey. In fact, it’s not harvested every year! You need to know how to appreciate it in the same way as vanilla fir honey ! Tasting a spoonful of mountain tea honey is a real pleasure, fueled as much by its rarity as by its sweet, floral flavor.

Description of Malotira

The leaves of Malotira ( Sideritis syriaca ) are woolly, grey and evergreen, with spikes of yellow flowers. This plant is endemic to Crete, but can be found throughout southern Europe.
Greece is particularly rich in endemic medicinal, aromatic and culinary herbs. Herbs grow in high mountain microclimates, at altitudes of between 500 and 2000 meters. The abundant herbs of Greece are found on sunny, steep mountains with limestone and rocky soils in various parts of the country, where night-time and daytime temperatures vary widely. Malotira is one of the most precious and revered medicinal plants in Greek history. It is also very popular in Bulgaria and Albania.

Using mountain tea honey (Malotira)

Sideritis syriaca is traditionally used to prepare an infused tea known for its medicinal properties. The plant is used to boost the immune system and prevent winter ailments. It also relieves colds, stimulates blood circulation and improves digestion. Sideritis or Crete tea is used in traditional medicine in Mediterranean countries to aid digestion and stimulate the respiratory system. It is also used to heal wounds and sores. The Cretans have been using it since ancient times for all these properties.

Properties and benefits of mountain tea honey (Malotira) :

The plant’s name comes from the Greek word “sideros”, meaning iron. It has been studied for its effects on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, showing an ability to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
In addition, scientific studies have highlighted Sideritis syriaca’s antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Malotira honey is renowned for its many health benefits. It has been recognized for centuries as the best honey in the world.

Did you know?

In Crete, Greek mountain tea is known as “Malotiras”, a name derived from the Italian words “Male” (human disease) and “tirare” (to pull, to remove), because when the Venetians occupied Crete, they considered Greek mountain tea a precious tea, known to eliminate colds and respiratory infections. It was a panacea!
In ancient Greece, the consumption of wild mountain tea was documented by Theophrastus, one of mankind’s first botanists (372-287 BC).