Introducing the family business based in Northern Greece, engaged in the cultivation of Angustifolia organic lavender and the production of dry blossoms, essential oils and lavender flower water
Discovery
Thessaloniki is a fountain of sources for products both in the world of gastronomy and aesthetics. A treasured collaborator of mine, George Pallisidis, has been assisting me for many years in tracking down premium quality artisans and Yfantia Terra is the result of one of my fruitful meetings with him in the northern capital.
Yfantia Terra is a family business based in Northern Greece, engaged in the cultivation of Angustifolia organic lavender and the production of dry blossoms, essential oils and lavender flower water.
Τhe company was established in 2013 when George Yfantidis created the first lavender distillery in the region of Askos in Lagadas in the prefecture of Thessaloniki. He chose lavender, as it is an endemic Greek plant which grows easily in Northern Greece and has a number of commercial uses in aromatherapy and the perfume industry.
Τhe company was established in 2013 when George Yfantidis created the first lavender distillery in the region of Askos in Lagadas in the prefecture of Thessaloniki
Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile essential oils, as it enhances circulation, reduces tension in the nervous system, treats respiratory problems, and works as a disinfectant. The essential oil can also be used with an incense burner, in order to gently spread its soothing smell, creating a feeling of calm and wellbeing.
Yfantia Terra’s lavender plants grow naturally, free from pesticides and chemical formulations. The whole process, cultivation, distillation, formulation and packaging take place on their own premises, allowing the company to control every step of the production process.
The most difficult yet rewarding part of the production process is harvesting. Once the lavender buds have been harvested, they need to be processed almost immediately, if they are to produce good quality essential oil. Although this is a taxing process for producers, the soothing smell usually helps relieve their stress.
Yfantia Terra products are certified by “ΔΗΩ”, an organization responsible for the control and certification of organic products in Greece, whereas all of its products have been trademarked as “Vegan” by The Vegan Society, an international organization which sets vegan standards worldwide.
The most difficult yet rewarding part of the production process is harvesting. Once the lavender buds have been harvested, they need to be processed almost immediately, if they are to produce good quality essential oil
Memory
George is a graduate of Anatolia College and the Department of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. After several years of research on the cultivation of aromatic plants and participating in specialized seminars he founded Yfantia Terra with the wish to create a top-quality product, with natural Greek herbs or plants.
It was hard for George and his team to pick the right place to set their business; they finally picked Askos because the climate and the altitude are ideal for the cultivation of lavender and other aromatic herbs.
George felt proud when the first Yfantia Terra essential oil was tested in the presence of professors and students of the Chemistry Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Narration
Yfantia Terra is located within a national protected park of supreme natural beauty, 50 kilometers outside Thessaloniki, between Mount Vertiskos and Lake Volvi, the Koroneia Volvi National Park.
The 2,120,000 sq. m. nature reserve is situated in central Macedonia and has rich flora and fauna. Home to a dizzying number of plants, animals and reptiles, the park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 266 bird species such as flamingoes, booted and golden eagles.