Mint in all its forms
We have all seen and tasted mint, as it grows very easily everywhere, from our grandparents’ gardens to our small city balconies. But despite this familiarity, do we really know it? Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. There are several dozen species, four of which are cultivated commercially: spearmint, peppermint, lemon mint and field mint. Its leaves are used, as is its essential oil. We appreciate mint so much partly because it is an everyday ally.
The benefits of mint
Mint features in many traditional remedies. And rightly so, as it offers many benefits. Here are a few… Mint is said to aid digestion. It may also have positive effects on bad breath, which is why it is often recommended to drink it after a meal. The antioxidants it contains may help prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Tea also contains many antioxidants. The two companions come together in the traditional recipe for Moroccan mint tea…
The little secrets of Moroccan tea
Moroccans are fond of mint tea. They attribute tonic and digestive properties to it. This tea of hospitality and conviviality is enjoyed during celebrations, gatherings and family evenings, as well as every day throughout the day. Discover a few secrets to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan tea.
Nanah mint, the star of Moroccan tea
Nanah mint, a cousin of our spearmint, is used to prepare mint tea in North Africa. If nanah mint flavours tea so pleasantly, it is because it offers a particularly powerful taste on the palate. It is emblematic of Moroccan cuisine: it is also found in tabbouleh, green sauces, soups, raw vegetable and fruit salads, as well as ice creams and confectionery.
Gunpowder, the true tea of Morocco
The traditional mint tea recipe relies on Gunpowder, a very astringent tea (sharp and slightly harsh on the palate). What is special about this tea? After harvesting, its leaves are dried to prevent fermentation, then rolled into small pellets. This is where its name, “Gunpowder”, comes from, meaning “gunpowder”.
How do you serve tea the Moroccan way?
To make mint tea, add simmering water to green tea and mint leaves, then fill a glass and immediately pour it back into the teapot. Repeat this process three times, then serve the tea by holding the teapot high! This gesture requires a little skill… Why? The aim is to oxygenate the tea! The O2 molecules react with the aromatic compounds in the mint to give Moroccan tea even more flavour.
Sweetening mint tea properly
Moroccan tea is served very sweet. Lumps of sugar are added during preparation. By pouring the brew back into the teapot and then into the glass several times (as explained above), the sugar eventually blends with the mint tea. The host judges the sweetness of the blend as they go, adding sugar lumps accordingly. In some regions of Morocco, drops of orange blossom water or rose water are also added to flavour the recipe. A delight!
Choosing the right mint tea
Is it difficult to get a ticket to Morocco? Keep it simple (and greener) and make it at home. To enjoy Moroccan tea with friends, choose our Mint Green Tea. Drink it iced under the parasol. Simply pour 60 cl of simmering water into a jug. Then steep one tea bag of mint green tea. Leave to rest, place in the fridge and/or add ice cubes.
Ideal in summer under the parasol. Are your days hectic and do you need to take a break? Then steep the Be Cool blend, a herbal tea made with peppermint, apple, verbena, liquorice root, rosehip seeds and anise… So, have we made you want to enjoy a mint tea or infusion?