Mint Tea - A Taste of Morocco - Morocco Sahara Guided Tours 2024

A Taste of Morocco: Mint Tea

Step into a Moroccan home, and the aroma of fresh mint instantly welcomes you. The air buzzes with conversation, punctuated by the rhythmic pouring of steaming glasses. This isn’t just tea; it’s a ritual, a symbol of hospitality, and a window into Moroccan culture.

Moroccan mint tea, unlike its quick-brew Western counterpart, is an experience. Its history stretches back centuries, when gunpowder tea arrived from Asia in the 16th century. Moroccans, with their love for fresh herbs, embraced it, adding the distinctive touch of mint leaves. This simple yet powerful combination became deeply woven into their lives, served at every gathering, from casual chats to grand celebrations.

But mint tea is more than just a delicious drink. It’s a gesture of warmth, a way to welcome guests into the fold. Sharing a cup fosters conversation, strengthens bonds, and embodies the true essence of Morocco.

Ready to brew your own taste of Morocco? Here’s a simplified recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon loose-leaf green tea (gunpowder works best)
4 cups boiling water
Big bunch of fresh mint leaves (washed and dried)
sugar (adjust to your preference)

Instructions

In a teapot, add the tea leaves. Pour boiling water over them and steep for 1 minute. This “first wash” removes bitterness and awakens the tea’s flavor. Next, pour out the water.
Repeat the steep and discard process once more.
Put the teapot on low heat and add the mint leaves and sugar. Let it steep for another minute, letting the flavors mingle.
Now comes the fun part! Hold a tall glass high and pour the tea back and forth between the pot and the glass several times. This creates a frothy “head” and mixes the mint and sugar evenly.
Keep pouring and catching the tea until you have the desired amount of foam.
Serve in small glasses, traditionally without milk or cream.