The soil-climatic conditions of Greece are suitable for the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. Many of the plants we have included in the list are endemic to the Greek flora, which shows the extent to which we could use the mountainous and semi-mountainous areas for their cultivation.
Of course, These plants can also be grown in lowland areas, while in the coming years they are expected to replace other low-yield crops for the producer. The purpose of cultivating aromatic plants is the production of essential oils and the harvesting of dried leaves and flowers..
Most of the profits come from the production of organic aromatic and medicinal plants and mainly their processing into forms that are used secondarily by the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry..
More detail, plants that may have significant prospects in the coming years are:
Oregano: is a perennial shrub. Collected when in full bloom with cut. The essential oil is used in perfumery, the medicinal and the dry drug as a flavoring in food. It has an essential oil content 3,15%. It has a performance 150 kg per acre and gives gross income 400- 600 euros per acre. Oregano is in second place in our country's exports of aromatic and medicinal plants after yolk. The 62,5% of their value is promoted in third countries, most importantly the US absorbing it 55,3%.
The rosemary: is a perennial shrub. Its flowers and leaves are collected. It is in full performance in the third year. The essential oil is used in perfumery, pharmaceutical but also the production of soaps and as a preservative in beverages and food. It contains essential oil 1,5-3%. The dry drug from the flowers and leaves is used as a seasoning in various dishes.
The yolk: is the main exportable product with a percentage 51% on the total value of exportable products. It produces one of the most expensive spices in the world. The stalk of its flower is harvested. Gives production 0,8-1 kilo per acre and gross income 1500-1800 € per acre. In Greece it is cultivated exclusively in Kozani.
The mountain tea: is a very fragrant perennial herb. It pays off approximately 150 kilos of dried drug. Its essential oil content is 0,05-1%. The essential oil is used in perfumery and pharmaceuticals.
The mint: is an aromatic plant, pharmaceutical and beekeeping. The above-ground part contains essential oil used in perfumery and soap making, in the distillery and confectionery. Its content of essential oils is approx 3,5-4%.
The anise: is an annual herbaceous plant. Shows 100-150 kilos of fruit per acre. Used in the production of ouzo, tsipouro but also as a seasoning in food. Essential oil is produced, which is suitable in the distillery.
The diktam: is a herbaceous perennial plant. Collected in full bloom with 3-5 cuts per year. Used as a decoction. The essential oil is used in medicine and beverage and in the production of vermouth.
The mint: is a perennial plant. For dry medicine it is harvested just before flowering, while for essential oil it is collected in full bloom. Its essential oil content is 0,8-2% and in dry drug yields 150-200 kilos per acre. Used as a seasoning in food, but also as a decoction.
The sage: is a perennial herbaceous plant. The shoots with its flowers and leaves are collected. Its essential oil content is 1,0% in flowers and 1,9% on the leaves.
The royal: is an annual herbaceous plant. Suitable for cultivation in areas with mild climates. Its essential oil is used in perfumery, pharmacology and soap production. Contains 0,5-1,2% Essential Oil.
The cumin: is an annual herbaceous plant whose dried fruits are used in cooking powder for their aroma. Its seeds also contain an essential oil with a content 2-3%.
The coriander: is an annual plant. Its dried seeds are used as a decoction for medicinal purposes. The essential oil it contains is used in the food industry, the production of soaps, etc.. Its content of essential oils is 0,03%- 2%.
Lavender: is a low perennial shrub. Collected during the period of full bloom. The essential oil is used in perfumery, soap factory, pharmaceutical. Its essential oil content is 1-3%.
The marjoram: is a perennial plant. For the production of essential oil is collected in full bloom with cutting, while for the production of dry drug it is cut shortly before flowering. The essential oil is used in perfumery, the pharmacopoeia, and the dry drug as a flavoring in food or as a decoction.
The honeysuckle: is a perennial plant. Gives 2-3 productions per year. The essential oil is used in perfumery, the pharmaceutical, but also in the manufacture of vermouth. Its essential oil content is 0,13-0,20%. Its dry leaves are used as a decoction.
The chamomile: chamomile is an annual plant. Used in perfumery, in the production of cosmetics, the pharmaceutical, as a decoction. Its essential oil content is 0,6-1%.
The Rose: is a shrub perennial plant. The roses from which the rose oil and the rosemary are produced are collected, used in perfumery. Rose petals are also used to make a sweet spoon.
Mastic: The mastic of Chios, is a kind of skewer. Its performance varies from 350-1000 grams per plant. Mastic is used in perfumery, the pharmaceutical, in the production of cosmetics, confectionery. It is cultivated exclusively in Chios.
The arbaroriza: is a perennial herbaceous plant. It has an average content of essential oil 0,15%. It has an average production 150 kilos per acre of dry leaves.
Thyme: is a perennial herbaceous plant of warmer and colder regions. It is an excellent beekeeping plant. The essential oil is used in perfumery and cosmetics, but also in homeopathy. Contains 1,5-3,4% Essential Oil.
Fennel or fennel: Fennel is a herbaceous plant that has height 0,5-1,5 measure of which the leaves are very similar to dill. Apart from cooking, fennel is also eaten raw in salads. From his semen, is produced by distillation of an essential oil used in the distillery, perfumery and pharmaceuticals.
The laurel: It is an evergreen tree. Its leaves are harvested in early autumn. Its leaves contain 2,7-3% Essential Oil. Its leaves and flowers are used as a seasoning in food. The essential oil is used in perfumery, soap factory.
The trumpet: is a perennial shrub. The leaves and flowers are used as a dry medicine as a flavoring. Essential oil is also produced in perfumery and pharmaceuticals.
Source:share24.gr
