Dittany from Greece

Praised and ever-present in the herbal traditions of Crete, Oregano Dictamnus, a more floral cousin of oregano, is used in homemade herbal teas and is an indisputable symbol of the island. Dittany dwells high on sheer, rocky cliffs and in craggy, hard-to-reach crevices. It was believed that anyone who pursued the tender shoots must have been madly in love to do so, perhaps explaining the plant’s second name Erontas, inspired by Eros, the Greek god of love.

Very few farmers can grow dittany successfully as it requires specific climatic conditions and precise skill. Daphnis and Chloe source it from the lush and green landscapes of western Crete where a handful of families cultivate, naturally dry, and hand-sort on-site.

Use for herbal teas (to pair with light savoury dishes), garnishes for dessert, and occasionally, as an oregano substitute in cooking.