Moroccan mint tea, that is a world of difference with what we call mint tea. Mint tea is more than a bunch of mint in a glass of boiled water, that is not tea, that is water with mint. Logically right? There is no tea involved!
In this blog we will tell you what tea drinking means for Moroccans and how to make traditional tea.
Morocco and mint tea are inextricably linked. Wherever you go, there is mint tea. It is offered to you everywhere, it is not just a drink, it is an expression of hospitality. Refusing is not done and is seen as an insult. It is part of Moroccan culture and the way of life. Mint tea is drunk all day, even after eating. When doing business, the tea supports as a kind of negotiation partner to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion.
The national drink is also called Berber whiskey, a nod to the ban on alcohol for Muslims. The tea ritual is taken seriously and is being traditionally prepared. All mint tea is made with green tea from China. And a lot of sugar! Sugar is the most important part and has to do with hospitality also. The sweeter the tea, the more respect one has for the guest. Meanwhile, people in Morocco also know that the tourists prefer to have the tea less sweet or no sugar at all, but they do not understand it. The term No Sugar, please, is now kind of well known in Morocco.
Preparing Moroccan mint tea does take some time, because as told before, it is a ritual. Sugar and tea must mix in a certain amount and after preparation of the tea it must be poured high into a glass. Again, this is an expression of respect to the guest, the higher cast, the more respect.
But how do you make Moroccan mint tea?
Of course you need a teapot, a Moroccan pot or an aluminum pot, at least one that you can put on the fire. Rinse the pot before use with boiling water and then fill the pot with water, put the pot on the fire and boil the water for the tea directly in the pot. Add green tea to the boiling water, for each cup of tea that will be drunk one teaspoon. Roll the water with the tea around in the pot and let it rest for one or two minutes. Then discard the water again, the tea stays behind in the pot. Wash the fresh mint and push it into the pot and add 5 tablespoons of sugar (or adjust to your own taste). Pour boiling water into the pot and let the tea draw on a low heat for about 5 minutes. When the tea comes up, remove the pot from the heat and stir the tea. The tea is now ready and must now be poured at least twice times high into the glass and be put back into the pot.