Malotira
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Malotira varies in size when sold in local markets, as it is harvested and packaged either whole or in pieces. It is also primarily offered dried. When kept intact, the upright, flowering stems range from 10 to 50 centimeters in length and feature leaves along the lower portions and blooms at the top. The stems are slender, cylindrical, and partially woody, appearing in grey-green hues. The leaves share a similar coloring and are oblong to lanceolate in shape, averaging 1 to 6 centimeters in length. The leaves are also thick, semi-fleshy, and straight to slightly curled. One distinct characteristic of Malotira is that the entire plant is covered in a downy, silver fluff. This layer is soft and velvety. At the top of the stems, small flowers are grouped in inflorescences and showcase golden yellow to yellow-white hues. Malotira releases a light, woody, and herbal aroma. The dried stems, leaves, and flowers are all used to make hot and cold beverages, and when steeped, they create an earthy, floral, herbaceous, and slightly sweet flavor. Some types of Malotira may also have lemony nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Malotira is harvested fresh in late June through July, when the flowers appear. Once gathered, bunches of flowers, stems, and leaves are air-dried and sold for year-round use.
Current Facts
Malotira, botanically classified as Sideritis syriaca, is an herbaceous species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Over seventeen species within the Sideritis genus are found naturally growing throughout Greece, and many of these species can be labeled generally as Mountain Tea in Greek commercial markets. Malotira is the name for the specific species found on Crete. Each Sideritis species will have a slightly different taste and aroma, developed from the climatic conditions where the plant was grown. Malotira is one of the most common Mountain Tea types found in Greece, along with other species like Olympus tea or Sideritis scardica, and Parnassus or Velouchi tea, Sideritis raeseri. During the early summer, when the plants bloom, Malotira is gathered by hand from wild plants at high elevations. It is challenging to collect the species, and the bunches are later dried for extended use. Cretans have utilized Malotira as a tea and in medicinal preparations for thousands of years, and it is a traditional plant treasured on the island. In the modern day, overharvesting has led some growers to cultivate the species on Crete to meet demand and help protect the remaining wild plants. Malotira is an important local Cretan herb and is sought for its nutritional properties to preserve health and wellness.
Nutritional Value
Malotira has been touted in ancient medicinal texts and records for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The plant is thought to be a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. Cretans drink Malotira tea to help soothe digestive problems and fight common colds. It is also used to help with respiratory issues and is a natural diuretic. In addition to medicinal benefits, Malotira is sometimes infused into various cosmetics and topical products for its healing properties.
Applications
Malotira is reserved for beverages and can be served hot or cold. The stems, flowers, and leaves can all be used for steeping, and each part of the plant may contribute varying flavors to create an herbaceous mixture. Malotira should only be purchased from ethical foragers or cultivators to ensure wild plants are not illegally uprooted. It is common to see Malotira sold in two forms. The first is in pieces of the plant, mainly the flower heads. The other type is whole bunches with long stems tied with twine and sold in their entirety. Some Cretans believe the stems should be broken into smaller pieces before steeping, a superstitious practice believed to increase medicinal benefits. The steeped plants produce a light golden brown liquid and can be served alone or with other ingredients for enhanced flavoring. Malotira can be served at any time of the day and is often paired with small bites like rusk and cheese. While less common, Malotira can also be used to flavor soup broths or added as a subtle nuance to baked goods like pies and cakes. Malotira is popularly served with honey, citrus zest, verbena, cinnamon, mint, sage, dittany, or marjoram. Dried Malotira will last several months to years when stored in a sealed container.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the countryside villages of Crete, Malotira is nicknamed “tsai tou vounou,” meaning “tea of the mountains.” Throughout history, it was common for families to hike into the mountains to collect the flowering stems. Malotira is a customary drink for houseguests and visitors and is considered a sign of Cretan hospitality. It is also a famous wellness beverage prepared in home kitchens when family members are ill. Beyond this nickname, Malotira is also known by several names, including Cretan Mountain Tea, Ironwort, Greek Tea, Shepherd’s Tea, and Kalokimithia. The name Malotira was said to have been given to the species by the Venetians, who ruled the island for over four hundred years. Malotira is a combination of the Italian words “male,” meaning “malady,” and “tirare,” meaning “to extract.” When put together, the names essentially translate to “extract the malady.” Malotira represents the Venetians’ comprehension of the species as a medicinal plant, and they frequently used the plants in teas and tisanes for its healing properties.
Geography/History
The Sideritis genus is native to areas throughout Europe, mainly the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa. Many Sideritis species are found wild throughout these regions and have been utilized as medicinal plants since ancient times. Sideritis syriaca is primarily found on the island of Crete in Greece and thrives at elevations between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level. The species was once prevalent in the White Mountains, also known as Lefka Ori, and on Mount Ida, or Psiloritis, the tallest mountain in Crete. Malotira grows on rocky hillsides and mountain slopes. Over time, Malotira has been overharvested in the wild, making it challenging to find in regions once considered plentiful. A few growers on the island are cultivating the species to help meet rising demand. Today, Malotira is grown across Crete and is sold through local markets. It is also exported to countries throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the United States. The Malotira featured in the photograph above was sourced through a local nursery in Chania, Crete.
