Strandjan herbal tea received a European geographical indication

The registration of "Strandzha Herbal Tea" as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the European Union is the result of an initiative undertaken by the producer group "DAR-3 SS - DZZD", who submitted an application to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in April 2021. This is the second Protected Designation of Origin from the Strandzha region, after "Strandzha Honeydew Honey".

The herbal tea is produced from the leaves and flowers of a plant from the genus Sideritis (Lamiaceae family). Cultivation must be carried out only on areas with suitable exposures and soil types (alkaline soils, which may also be around limestone rocks), as close as possible to the floristic characteristics in the natural habitats of the Sideritis genus plant. Such areas are in the region of the five municipalities in Strandzha: Malko Tarnovo, Primorsko, Sozopol, Sredets and Tsarevo.

The product is characterized by a slightly sweet taste, a delicate aromatic bouquet, and a high content of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The tea is used not only as a beverage, but also as a natural product with proven antibacterial and antiviral properties.

The registration in the European quality schemes contributes to the preservation of Bulgarian culinary and cultural heritage, the protection of the environment and biodiversity, the sustainable development of rural areas, and the increase in market value and recognition of the product through the European logo. With the inclusion of "Strandzha Herbal Tea" in the register, Bulgaria now has six protected foods in the EU - three Protected Designations of Origin, two Protected Geographical Indications, and seven products with Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.