Mint tea is a true must of the Moroccan way of life.
It is impossible to consider having visited Morocco if you do not even have tried it once.
Unlike Middle Eastern tea, which is made with black tea, Moroccan mint tea is prepared with Chinese green tea. Hence a unique sweet and fresh taste.
A tradition dating back to the 19th century.
At that time, on their way back from India, British ships used to stop at Moroccan harbors.
The Moroccan population discovered the little green tea leaves through their contacts with the sailors.
Since then, Morocco has become the first importer of Chinese green tea, representing a massive 27% of China’s green tea exportation. Each Moroccan is estimated to use 2 kilogram of green tea yearly! In total, Morocco uses every year approximately 70 000 tons tea.
Mint tea adapts to all expectations
Moroccans drink tea whatever circumstances and everyone has his own expectation.
Low-sweet, medium-sweet, super-sweet like syrup (my favorite ??), sugar free for the diet (pouark! ??); strong, light… Combinations are endless and again… each and every family will consider their tea as the best.
Today, as before, in Morocco, everything is an excuse to serve tea: signing a contract, greeting visitors, finishing meal, end of prayer…
The best mint tea
As far as I am concerned, I would say that the best mint tea is served by the small cafes at Bab Boujloud, in Fez.
It is moderately strong yet smooth like syrup. The café tender serves the tea in large ordinary glasses, accompanied by a stem of fresh mint leaves immersed in the boiling liquid. Its golden color is worthy of a great vintage. At 10 Dirhams per glass, it will not cost you a fortune.
Be reassured, wise follower of «sugar free», the waiter will know how to adapt.
Opposite, mouthwatering honey cakes spill over the pastry stalls. Yet, is it really reasonable?… Well… I let it up to you….
So, are you ready for a mint tea, now?