I am posting this after reading Beneath the Lemon Trees: Escape to Crete by Emma Burstall. Have you ever tried Greek Mountain Tea? Did you even know that was a thing? I didn't!
On the Page
Stella arrives on the island of Crete after the death of a friend and the collapse of her marriage. Villa Ariadne - with its views of the island's cerulean water and intoxicating scent of lemons - seems the perfect place to recover until someone from her past appears.
Part mystery, part romance, one hundred percent women's fiction. This was a quick and breezy read set in a gorgeous location. Because of its setting, there is some mention of Greek food...all of which made my mouth water.
"...perhaps a little Kalitsounia: a pastry filled with sweet cheese, cinnamon and lemon zest. She made these herself and never grew tired of them, though she tried to limit herself to one a day...."
"They ordered coffee and a Bougatsa to share, as recommended by their waiter. They weren’t sure what to expect and it turned out to be a delicious pie made of crunchy filo...."
And I will definitely attempt those soon, but what really got me excited was this passage...
"I’ve left some supper in the fridge – lamb cutlets with beans, and a feta salad. I also brought eggs for breakfast, some bread, orange juice and Kalitsounia. These are traditional pastries. I made them myself. I hope you like them. You’ll find coffee and mountain tea in the cupboard above the sink."
Well, truth be told, I wouldn't really have given that 'mountain tea' mention a second thought because I didn't know what it was. Then I was shopping in Whole Foods to stock the tea cupboard for the boys being home for Spring Break. And I saw this...
In the Mug
It turns out that Greek Mountain Tea isn't just a blend of random Mediterranean herbs as I first thought them I read that sentence; it's a very specific herb: Sideritis, also known as ironwort, mountain tea, Greek tea and shepherd's tea. Also, technically, since it doesn't contain the leaves of the tea plant - Camellia sinensis - it's actually a tisane.
This version from Rishi also includes ginger root, licorice root, oregano, and Croatian chamomile blossoms. It is sweet and savory all at the same time. It's a delightful caffeine-free mug of comfort!
I am looking forward to using it in a culinary treat soon. Maybe something like my Sage Shortbread. Stay tuned!
I am adding this to the March 2025 #FoodieReads Link-Up.
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