Friday, June 18, 2010

Flamouri Harvest

Flamouri Flowers 

The flamouri (φλαμούρι) trees have blossomed and are passed their peak. For nearly two weeks we've enjoyed the sweet and  light floral fragrance breezing through the air. The scent of our trees was enjoyed throughout the property as well as inside our home, given that we've had our windows open for nearly a month now. I anticipate the blooming of these trees and this year they were just a little late due to cooler temperatures and a string of  rainy days.
 One day last week I was talking to myself, which is fairly normal. I mentioned that I didn't know when I would have time to harvest any given the horrible weather and our social commitments. Funny enough, Izabella was actually listening. When she came home from school the next day she went to outside to play with Foti and  a while later they came in and asked for two large bowls. I asked them what their intent was...how what they needed them for and they told me that I've been so busy that they would help me pick flamouri. I melted...just melted. Does this mean my children are finally old enough to really help me outside? And on their own? I see things getting a bit easier around the garden. 
So, they set out to pick the flowers. When I went out to show them how they should be picked I was pleasantly surprised that Izabella remembered from last year. See? They're getting so self sufficient! 

Izabella removes the larger leaves not used for making tea. 



Alexandra concentrates on her task. 

Foti presenting me with  his bowl of flowers & leaves. I was on the balcony lifted it up for me to see. Nice work! 

~

in Greek and Linden in English.  Flamouri tea has many health benefits and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. 
Some of the common uses for flamouri tea include treating a cold or a cough and other related symptoms.  I find it helpful because it helps clear up my nasal passages whenever I have a stuffy nose and provides relief when I have a sore throat. The tea has a calming effect and it is often suggested that one should drink a cup to relieve any stress & anxiety that's affecting the body. 
The fragrance is so light and floral, it's also used in making soaps or used in skin care. Last weekend I gifted some of the tea to friends that were visiting from the U.S. and they were impressed by the fragrance that permeated the plastic bag I had packed it in. I'm sure the inside of their luggage probably smelled pleasant once they were home. 

I've been suffering from a sore throat for a few days and I boiled some of my already dried flamouri. It's always so comforting. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend  that you do and hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I do. 

Dried flamouri, just about ready for storage. 

~








19 comments:

  1. Thank you for teaching me something that I did not know before. Please have a wonderful Friday you all.

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  2. I love how seriously your kids take their task - you're raising them right! And think of all the love that you'll now be drinking with each cup of tea. Wonderful!

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  3. Loverly work you're doing here. Nice to see you keeping the blog up to date. All the best.

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  4. I've only known of tilio from store bought tea and thanks for all the useful information. You've got such adorable kids.

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  5. @ ρομπερτ...Good morning! Thank you for letting me know that I was able to teach you something, it's nice to hear. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! :)

    @ Laurie...Thank you, it's times like these that are so rewarding, not only for me but also for them. And yes, each cup of tea will be brimming with love. Enjoy your weekend :)

    @ Rick...Thank you, I appreciate your compliment & I'm glad that you keep coming back. I hope that you enjoy your weekend. :)

    @ Ivy...Thank you Ivy, I'm glad that I was able to give you useful information and once again, if we were closer I'd definitely give you a bag of the tea!! Have a nice day! :)

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  6. now i'm really jealous- must look out for one in my area, which isnt in the middle of town where it is surrounded by speeding cars...

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  7. Maria, I think that the flowers will be long gone, given it's much warmer down there. We have a few flowers left on the tree but not worth gathering. I remember your post mentioning flamouri last year, you were given some while in town, right? :)
    I would give you some!

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  8. Nice blog. Being a great lover of garden art, I enjoyed going through your blog.

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  9. Ann...Thank you so much for your compliment and most of all, your visit. I hope that you have a fantastic weekend!
    :) Thank you!

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  10. Well another wonderful post with your angels! Hugs.

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  11. Phivos, Thank you ...they are definitely angels. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Hugs to you !! :)

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  12. thank you for the lovely post. I have an award for you on my blog.

    thanks for all the lovely pictures and sentiments!

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  13. Καλημερα,εχεις κανει μια πολυ ωραια παρουσιαση της χλωριδας της περιοχης,χρησιμες πληροφοριες και πολυ ωραια φωτογραφιση,εχεις κανει προοδο στην φωτογραφια.
    Να εισαι καλα.
    Κωστας

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  14. @ Jes...THANK YOU for the lovely award. I do have something to post ...see? :) Thanks for being such a wonderful, wonderful friend! xo :)

    @ kostas...Σας ευχαριστώ για τα καλά λόγια, είναι τιμή μου και εκτιμώ τα σχόλιά σας. Καλό Σαββατοκύριακο:)

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  15. Awesome. This of course makes me miss you even more. :(

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  16. Thank you for this magical aroma and thank you for these magical pictures. A kiss for the big girl and a kiss for the little girl.

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  17. @ Christie...I miss you too. ♥


    @ Loli...You're so welcome Loli. Thank you for your visit and mostly for the wonderful kisses! Wishing you a week full of love & creativity. :)

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  18. Great harvest you have in there. Flamouri as i've known has lots of helth benefits. Good for you that you have this kind of plants in your garden.

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  19. Shalymere...Thank you. I love the trees and I'm looking forward to their flowers that I expect to bloom the first week of June. On top of having health benefits, they smell amazing.

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