What Is Bulgarian Mountain Tea?
Bulgarian mountain tea is made from Sideritis scardica, a small perennial plant of the mint family that grows on rocky, limestone slopes high in the mountains of the Balkan Peninsula. In Bulgaria it is known as mursalski chai or Pirin tea, after the Pirin and Rhodope mountains where it grows. In Greece the same group of plants is called tsai tou vounou, and in North Macedonia and Albania it is known as Shar Planina tea.
The plant has soft, silvery, woolly leaves and upright stems topped with pale yellow flower spikes. The whole flowering stems are harvested in summer, tied in bundles and dried, so the tea is often sold as long stems that are broken into the pot.
Mountain tea has been a daily drink in Balkan homes for centuries. It gives a golden cup with a mild, floral, slightly citrusy and earthy taste. It is usually sweetened with honey and served with a slice of lemon, hot in winter and chilled in summer. Many families keep a large bundle in the kitchen all year round.
Our Bulgarian mountain tea contains only dried Sideritis scardica with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Bulgarian Mountain Tea
- Hot tea: Break 2 to 3 stems (about 2 g) into a pot and pour over 1 cup (8 fl oz / 250 ml) of boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon to taste.
- Traditional simmer: For a stronger Balkan style tea, simmer the stems gently for 5 minutes, then steep for another 5 minutes.
- Iced tea: Brew a double-strength tea, cool it and pour over ice with lemon and fresh mint.
Safety
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to brew Bulgarian mountain tea: step-by-step
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bulgarian mountain tea?
It is a traditional Balkan herbal tea made from the dried flowering stems of Sideritis scardica, a mountain plant of the mint family.
Is mountain tea the same as Greek mountain tea?
They are close relatives. Greek mountain tea can be Sideritis scardica or other Sideritis species. Our tea is Sideritis scardica.
What does Bulgarian mountain tea taste like?
It is mild, floral and slightly citrusy, with an earthy note. It is not bitter.
Does mountain tea contain caffeine?
No. It is naturally caffeine free.
How should I store mountain tea?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
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