Greek Herbs | Athens Walking Tours

Greek Herbs

The Mediterranean climate of Greece is not ideal only for holidays, but it also helps the earth to give birth to unique herbs. The majority of them are appreciated since ancient Greece for adding taste in our meals, heal us and protect us naturally.

How do contemporary Greeks use them while cooking? Let’s find out!

Oregano

Have you ever found yourself wondering around the dry and rocky sights of the Cycladic islands? Well, the smell of oregano is then familiar… It grows on its own, it does not need water and its smell is so characteristic that one could not confuse it with another herb! Since it is so easy to find, Greeks use it a lot on the well-known horiatiki (Greek salad), on red meat and fishes!

Marjoram

Marjoram belongs to the Oregano family and they look alike. It has a lighter flavor and it is used for cooking purposes as well (meat, fish, soups).

Dill

This herb is used in many countries of the world, but Greeks really make the most out of it! You can find it in salads and in the famous spanakopita (spinach pie). In Ancient Greece though, its purpose was medical, to promote sleep and also, to flavour wine!

Fennel

Fennel belongs to the dill family and has an anise flavour which helps us to distinguish it. It is used in savory foods and it took its name (Marathon in Greek) by the area of Marathon in Attica where the Spartans defeated the Persians (49 BC). It is said that the battle took place in a valley fool of fennel!

Mint

Oh, the mint! It smells so wonderful and many companies have tried to copy its essence (from chewing gums to perfumes and cigarettes!). In Greece, we use it in pies and we also drink it as tea!

Rosemary

Rosemary belongs to the mint family and it is used as an antiseptic. It matches perfectly with chicken in the oven with potatoes!

Sideritis

In other words, the Greek mountain tea! Oh, we love it and of course, it grows on the majority of the mountains. It has an exceptional taste and it is helpful in case of stomach aches!

Chamomile

This pretty little flower grows all around Greece! Its smell is so pure and calming… Greeks use it in cosmetics and also as a tea to relax.

Thyme

This elegant herb is also used in cooking. It is one of the few herbs which will retain all its flavour when dried and is one of the herbs used in Bouquet Garni, a bundle of herbs, tied together and used to flavour savoury dishes. Its oil is an effective mouthwash and antiseptic. As a tea, it helps coughs and bronchitis.

Parsley

Very little doesn’t benefit from parsley, sauces, stews, cheese, fish, and of course, as a garnish and most of the time, it is fresh!

Join us on our Cooking Lesson to have a hands-on experience with the Greek gastronomy or follow us on our Food Tour to have an urban adventure full of tastings, flavours and colours!

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