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PeneloΠe in Epirus
PeneloPe travels to remote paths discovering the beauties of the Greek countryside and its beneficial ingredients.
She was recently found in Epirus. A place of particular natural beauty surrounded by the mountains of Gramos, Smolikas and Tymfi. The region is crossed by the river Aoos, which rises from northern Pindos near Metsovo. After a 272-kilometre route of unparalleled natural beauty and flowing freely through gorges, mountain valleys and imposing mountains the river flows into the Adriatic Sea.
Aoos together with Voidomatis and Sarantaporos, create a unique network of rivers and streams full of life. Fir forests, alpine lakes, sub-alpine meadows, plane trees, willows, poplars, cedars, black walnut trees, make up a landscape of unique biodiversity and an ecosystem in which brown bears, wolves, deer, wild goats and other mammals find shelter.
Beneficial herbs
More than 1 750 species of herbs have been recorded in the area, while those with medicinal properties have been used since the 17th century by the practical physicians of Zagori. Among the herbs of Epirus are the well-known mountain tea used as warming and therapeutic drink, sage, rich in antioxidants to strengthen the body's defences, and artemisia, which acts as a tonic.
Balsam grass, used by locals to heal wounds is considered particularly beneficial for the skin. What an inspiration for enriching PeneloPe's recipes!
In the following database of the School of Pharmacology of the University of Ioannina we find information on the official and popular names of the plants, and the active substances they contain.