Moroccan mint tea is sweet, flavorful, and good for any occasion and event.
Travel Inspired Recipes: Authentic Moroccan Mint Tea
I’m not the only person who couldn’t wait to get her hands on authentic Moroccan mint tea when visiting Morocco. From my research, I knew that this traditional drink is served everywhere including hotels. In the latter case, Moroccan mint tea is complimentary, of course. And thus, I couldn’t wait to get to our hotel to see if it was true.
As a matter of fact, the Moroccans keep their traditions alive and hold strong to them. The first thing I saw walking into the lobby of our hotel was not reception desk. (It was the second thing I spotted there.) But first, my eyes were focused on cozy corner in front of the entrance. This little sanctuary included one low chair with pillows, small mat, and traditional tea set used for Moroccan mint tea.
Certainly, I had to have a cup of this famous tea. I couldn’t say no to it later that day when one of souks merchants offered it to me in order to make me more willing to buy from him. I didn’t purchase anything, but I really enjoyed another cup of Moroccan mint tea.
Culture of Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea is more than just a refreshing drink. It has a deep cultural meaning and signifies the importance of event or person offered the tea. Serving the mint tea to guests means that you welcome them and happy to have them. Traditionally, male head of the family invites the guests to the mint tea while woman takes care of other dishes. The host also makes sure that pots are always filled with mint leaves and sugar. The tea is kept at boiling temperature to preserve the taste.
Over the years, the mint tea slipped into social life. Now this sweet drink is part of every gathering, conversation, and meeting. The Moroccans drink this traditional elixir in hammams, at any social gathering, and ceremonies. Even business deals can be reached without a serving of the mint tea.
Benefits
Apart from being an essential part of the culture, the mint tea has many health benefits. The Moroccans believe that their traditional drink helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, fights colds and flu. They also drink it as remedy against headaches. Women swear that the mint tea helps them keep wrinkles and any other skin disorders away.
MOROCCAN MINT TEA RECIPE:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chinese gunpowder green tea leaves
- 1/2 liter (16oz) boiling water
- 1 large handful fresh mint (1 ounce)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar
Preparation
- Put the tea in teapot and pour a few tablespoons of boiling water over it. Let it soak for a few minutes. Swirl to warm the pot, strain out, and discard the water.
- Add the mint and sugar and fill the teapot with 1/2 liter hot water. Stir and let it steep for five minutes or longer.
- Serve in small heatproof glasses (the Moroccan style) or any small teacups.
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