BIOFYT
Watercress
WatercressWatercress is an annual plant of the cruciferous family. It is very easy to grow, grows quickly and withstands adverse weather conditions. It has abundant leaves with many slits gathered in rosettes. The stem appears somewhat early and branching, and produces white flowers and reddish seeds.
The cultivation of the Watercress is done exclusively for its leaves, which have a slightly caustic taste and stimulate the appetite, used for this as a kind of first-class spice.
The method of cultivating the Watercress is simple. It thrives in all soils. It is sown almost throughout the year – only during the summer the sowing must be done in the shade, so that they do not sow quickly. Therefore, in order to have a continuous harvest, the sowing must be done in stages, every 10 – 15 days.
Taraggon
TaraggonThe Latin name of the herb is Artemisia dracunculus. The name “tarragon” is of French origin, while in English it is rendered as “tarragon”. There are two varieties of the herb, Russian and French. The Russian, originally from Siberia, is considered the original plant from which the French variety originated. The aroma of Russian lags behind in sharpness compared to French which is generally considered superior. Its taste is reminiscent of aniseed due to their common substance anethole which increases appetite. It has many applications in cooking, enriching meat and fish sauces, boiled vegetables, mayonnaise, green salads, even ice creams or fruit salads. Add it towards the end of the food because prolonged cooking gives it a bitter taste and loses its aroma. Tarragon does not go well with other herbs with perhaps the only exception being lemon and chives. It is one of the best flavorings of vinegar and mustard. Its leaves contain iodine, potassium and vitamins A and C.
Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)
Spearmint (Mentha Spicata)Spearmint, an herb with a unique aroma and many uses! Mint is the most popular aromatic plant of the Mediterranean along with basil and is found in almost every garden, yard and balcony of Greek homes. The mint plant is perennial and evergreen with square stems, very fragrant leaves and flowers. Spearmint is a type of mint used primarily for flavoring food and drinks, as well as a tonic and stomachic herb. In the garden it can be planted in clumps or as a single plant, and is also an excellent choice of plant for a rock garden together with other aromatic plants. Spearmint has no particular soil requirements, as long as it ensures constant moisture and good drainage. Incorporating compost and well-digested manure when transplanting mint into the soil contributes to its better growth. Spearmint thrives in sunny areas, where the leaves give it a high content of essential oils, as long as it is watered more often.
Rosemary
RosemaryRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody aromatic plant that can live for 15-20 years. It is an evergreen shrub with an average height of 1.2 meters. Rosemary has white, purple or blue flowers and aromatic, leathery leaves, which resemble pine needles. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes many other herbs (basil, lavender, sage). Rosemary is a bee-trophic plant and strongly attracts bees. Rosemary has been used since ancient times to enhance memory. It is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean region, but is cultivated in more than 80 countries for domestic or professional use. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings in the spring and prefers a warm and moderately dry climate.
Laurel
LaurelLaurel is an evergreen shrub with deep green, leathery, aromatic leaves that are used in cooking to flavor foods. Laurel grows alone in the Greek countryside but we can plant it in the garden or in a pot on the balcony. It has white or yellow-green flowers that appear from April to May and gives characteristic black fruits, with an oval shape and the size of a small olive. In ancient times, the laurel tree was a sacred tree, dedicated to the god Apollo and symbolized superiority, which is why the winners of sports competitions were crowned with laurel branches. After all, Pythia, the priestess of the oracle of Delphi, chewed laurel leaves and gave her famous oracles.
Valeriana
ValerianaValerian (Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant and belongs to the Valerianaceae family. For commercial exploitation, the plant is cultivated as an annual. Valerian is a plant whose use is known to us from the ancient Greeks. Later, the Romans used valerian as a remedy for digestive problems, as well as for cramps and to treat urinary tract discomfort. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant and belongs to the Valerianaceae family.
