The history of mint tea: everything you need to know about this Moroccan tradition

The historical origins of mint tea

How did mint tea get introduced to Morocco? In the 19th century, the English introduced mint tea to the Maghreb region. Faced with the loss of the Slavic market during the Crimean War, British merchants opened up to new commercial opportunities. Tea was shipped to the ports of Mogador (known today as Essaouira) and Tangiers. From there, the use of tea spread among Moroccans. The latter, accustomed to mint-based infusions, decided to combine the two ingredients. The result is a perfectly balanced beverage renowned for its digestive and thirst-quenching properties.

A symbol of Moroccan hospitality

 

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Une publication partagée par The Moroccans World 🇲🇦 (@themoroccansworld)

Consumed throughout the day, mint tea is a convivial drink that can be enjoyed with family, friends, or clients. The traditional ingredients? Dried green tea, fresh mint leaves, sugar loaves, and boiling water. This hot beverage is usually prepared in front of the guests, who are warmly invited to join in the ritual. Indeed, serving tea in Morocco is an art! The beverage is prepared in a typically Moroccan teapot, made of silver-plated brass or stainless steel. Then, after a short infusion time, the hot liquid is served from a great height, allowing it to oxygenate and reveal all its aromas. If the infusion is successful, a foam called “turban” forms on the surface. The tea is then enjoyed in three stages, paying close attention to the evolution of flavors. A famous Moroccan proverb describes the experience:

“The first drink is bitter as life,
the second is as sweet as love,
the third is as soothing as death”

Enjoy!