Myths & Uses

In ancient Greece, dreaming of a garden of MIRTO was seen as good luck because the plant was considered sacred to Demeter, goddess of grain and agriculture, as well as to Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty and fertility.

Dating back to Roman times, Mediterranean people believed it to be a symbol of immortality, and it was used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks during the marriage ritual. Up until a few years ago, it was common practice in Sardinia to adorn the carriage that carried the bride with myrtle berry plants, and it is still within European custom today, to insert it in royal wedding bouquets.

Cultivated since antique times, its therapeutic properties permitted it’s use in folk medicine. Its color from the berries was utilized for dying fabrics and as ink for writing and tanning leather. Today it is incorporated in several foods and beverages as flavoring and of course used to make our celebrated liqueur!

Recently, it has taken on an increasing role in the aromatherapy and cosmetic sectors; used as a main ingredient in many of their products thanks to it’s essential oils.