Stamnagathi -Cichorium spinosum

Stamnagathi is a Greek variety of wild chicory that grows on the mountains of the island Crete. It is dark green in color with wild, serrated leaves that grow outward in small spirals, with the leaves being held together by a small root. These clusters leaves average 8cm in diameter. Stamnagathi is known for it’s bitter taste, although some say there is a subtle sweetness accompanying it.
Stamnagathi is botanically classified as Cichorium spinosum. Until recently, Stamnagathi was only available by wild foraging on the island of Crete. In 2013, an article announced that the Greek Inspection and Certification Body, Tuy Hellas, carried out the first world certification of the herb, based on the Global A.P. V4 for a cultivation company. Tuy Hellas received international recognition for supporting Greek farmers efforts to produce quality products like Stamnagathi, and be able to export theminternational markets. A company called Cretan Gaia is one of the largest producers of Stamnagathi in Greece, with over two tons of daily production. They respect the naturally occurring “volunteer plant”, while collecting genuine wild seed from the mountains, and then replanting in their own fields.
tamnagathi contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and C, and linoleic acid, which is known to get rid of accumulated fat in arteries. It also has significant amounts of calcium and iron. It is also rumored to have anti-septic and anti-rheumetic properties, even being used medicinally in ancient times.