10/23/20

The ABC of Moroccan Mint Tea

Tea
Mint

Delicious, refreshing mint is one of the world’s most consumed herbs. It is used in a vast number of preparations such as renowned Moroccan mint tea.

 

Mint medley

When it comes to mint, most of us have been there, done that. After all, it grows easily just about everywhere, from our grandparents’ gardens to our apartment balconies. But despite this familiarity, do we really know it all that well? Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. There are several dozen species, four of which are grown commercially: spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, and wild mint. And not only do we use their leaves, we also use their essential oils.
We are so fond of mint, partly because it is such an ally in our daily lives.

 

Dozen species

 

The benefits of mint

Mint is a key player in countless home remedies, and it’s not for nothing. In fact, it is packed with benefits. Here are just a few… Mint may be good for our digestion. By reducing gastric refluxes, it can also have positive effects on bad breath. This is why it is often recommended as an after dinner drink. The antioxidant level of mint may also help prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Tea also contains a high number of antioxidants, and both are found in the traditional Moroccan mint tea recipe

 

The little secrets of Moroccan tea

Moroccans are big fans of mint tea for its energizing and digestive properties. This tea is rooted in hospitality and sociability, and served at celebrations, reunions, and family gatherings, as well as throughout the day. Read on for a few secrets to preparing traditional Moroccan mint tea.

 

traditional Moroccan mint tea

 

Nanah mint, the star of Moroccan tea

Nanah mint, a cousin of our spearmint, is used to make mint tea in North Africa. Nanah mint is used because it offers such a powerful flavor. It is an iconic ingredient in Moroccan cuisine, found in dishes such as tabbouleh, green sauces, soups, raw vegetable and fruit salads, ice creams, and candies.

 

Gunpowder, the authentic Moroccan tea

The recipe for traditional mint tea calls for a Gunpowder tea, which is very astringent (a little harsh on the palate). What makes this tea so unique is that its leaves are dried after harvest to prevent fermentation. They are then rolled into small pellets, which led to the tea being called “Gunpowder.”

 

fermentation

 

How to prepare Moroccan tea

To make mint tea, pour simmering water onto green tea and mint leaves, then fill up a glass and pour it straight back into the teapot. This is repeated three times, and the tea is then poured from a great height into the glass! This movement requires a certain dexterity… Why, you may ask? This is to oxygenate the tea as much as possible. The oxygen molecules spark a fragrant reaction within the mint and add even more flavor to Moroccan tea.

 

Extra-sweet mint tea

Moroccan tea is served very sweet, with lumps of sugar added into the recipe. After pouring the preparation in the teapot and then into a glass several times over (as explained above), the mint tea is infused with the sugar. The master of ceremonies evaluates the sweetness of the blend throughout the experience, and adds extra lumps of sugar if needed. In certain regions of Morocco, it is also customary to add drops of orange blossom or rose water to flavor the tea. Simply delicious!

 

spearmint green tea organic

 

How to choose the right mint tea

If you can’t book tickets to Morocco, there is a simpler (and “greener”) solution: make the tea at home! To enjoy Moroccan tea with your friends, opt for Spearmint Green Tea. And if it’s warm outside, you can drink it iced! Simply pour 60cl of simmering water into a carafe. Next, infuse a bag of spearmint green tea and place in the fridge to cool or add ice cubes.

 

Mint

 

If you have exciting, fast-paced days and you need a break, indulge in Kusmi’s Be Cool blend, a peppermint infusion with apple, verbena, licorice root, rosehip seeds, and aniseed… So, have we made you want to try a mint tea or infusion?

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