With this newsletter, we would like to introduce you to some of our favourite herbs. These are the herbs we always like to have on hand at Mèlisses, and ones that originate and are harvested around the Greek islands.

In order to do that, we have teamed up with another of our favourite and most authentic local producers - Evangelia, the herb whisperer!

Evangelia is the face of Daphnis and Chloe, a Greek culinary herbs and spices brand, and a forager and advocate for herbalism. Just to give you a brief foundation, herbalism focuses on using plants for their healing properties. The journey of Evangelia becoming so close to nature has roots in her childhood:

“I was born and raised in a small town of Central Greece, not a well-known part of the country, but nature around there is so pretty. As a kid, we’d spend our summers in a small family house in the forest high up on Mount Oeta. It’s funny how childhood memories shape us as humans. The mountains, still today fill me with joy.”
“Cooking has always been a beloved hobby, although I never planned to start a food business, but somehow in late 2012, I became aware that even though Greece has so many culinary herbs of beautiful quality, producers only sell these locally. Somehow, the idea of gathering all these great ingredients under one brand sounded like a great challenge. That’s how I started developing Daphnis and Chloe in 2013”.
'“Herbs gave me the opportunity to discover places I would have never otherwise seen. Greece is a holiday destination, but there’s so much un-walked land in this country. Herbs also helped me see in person, how the various parameters from weather to human intervention, affect the quality of our produce. Ours is a difficult job - there’s a lot to constantly keep in consideration, but if you’re a curious person then it’s amazing, because you never stop learning!”

At Mèlisses, we are very fortunate to source some great herbs at our doorstep. Growing wildly and organically as nature intended; there is rarely the absence of wild thyme, rosemary, sage, and ouh, that wild fennel everywhere!

During this special period that most of us are going through, herbs are nature's ultimate miracle! Especially oregano and thyme, with their anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and disinfectant properties to support the functions of lungs. Try experimenting with them in both savoury and sweet versions or even delicious infused waters.

Thyme and oregano are not the only ones we encourage you to experiment with, but for herb and spice newbies, Evangelia suggests:

“Initially go for simple combinations which will allow you to learn these flavours. There’s no right or wrong ways to use them. It’s a matter of taste. Crumble a thyme flower, bring it close to your nose and try to imagine what you’d like eating it with. Herbs and spices are great for adding instant flavour to your meals in a healthy way. I love using herbs for marinating meat or garden vegetables overnight.”

”They also make space-efficient pantry staples as they keep well for months, if not years, keeping their properties intact. Personally, I like to think of herbs and spices in two ways: Some of them, like bay leaves and oregano, are everyday essentials: they’re must-haves for every cook. Others, like thyme flowers, are less familiar but they’re capable of adding character to our meals in beautiful ways. You need just a sprinkle of chilli flakes and some freshly grated lemon zest to turn plain white spaghetti into a proper dish!”

And what is the one unique herb that Daphnis and Chloe would want you to know?

“Definitely the Greek Mountain Tea! It's a traditional herbal tea prepared with the stems and flowers of the plant Sideritis. It happens to be little known outside of its geographical borders, but it offers great health benefits and a delicate flavour, ideal for sipping all day long. Mountain Tea is packed with antioxidants, it’s good for your brain and your stomach, it’s perfect for when you’re under the weather… so many health benefits!”

We hope we have inspired you to spice your life up a bit, and remember that any herb is better than none!

For more herbal inspiration visit

Daphnisandchloe.com // @missgoodherbs

Interview adapted by Veronika Krizova and Allegra Pomilio

Photos by @adriannaglaviano

HERBS AS A REMEDY