As of 3 June 2025, Strandzha Herbal Tea has been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The European Commission has approved the addition of Strandzhansky bilkov chay to the register of quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
This was done through the publication of an Implementing Regulation in the Official Journal of the EU, which granted the name the status of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The initiative for registration was taken by the producer group “DAR-3 SS – DZZD”, which submitted an application to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in April 2021.
This is the second Protected Designation of Origin from the Strandzha region, after “Strandzhanski manov med”. The registration opens up new opportunities for local producers who meet the approved specification and will be controlled by an accredited certification body.
The herbal tea is produced from the leaves and flowers of a plant of the genus Sideritis (family Lamiaceae). Cultivation should be carried out only on areas with suitable exposures and soil types (alkaline soils, which may also be around limestone rocks), as close as possible to the floristic characteristics in the native deposits of the plant of the genus Sideritis. Such are in the area of the five municipalities in Strandzha: Malko Tarnovo, Primorsko, Sozopol, Sredets and Tsarevo. The product is distinguished by a characteristic slightly sweet taste, a delicate aromatic bouquet and a high content of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The tea is used not only as a beverage, but also as a natural remedy with proven antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Registration in European quality schemes contributes to the preservation of the Bulgarian culinary and cultural heritage, the protection of the environment and biodiversity, the sustainable development of rural areas and the increase in the market value and recognition of the product through the European logo.
So far, Bulgaria has six protected foods in the EU - three Protected Designations of Origin ("Strandzhanski manov med", "Bulgarian yogurt", "Bulgarian white brined cheese"), two Protected Geographical Indications ("Gornooryahovski sudzhuk", "Bulgarian rose oil") and seven products with a Characteristic Traditional Specialty.