Coming from Morocco, it represents courtesy and hospitality. It is widely consumed in that country and surely every visitor who arrives has tried it. You can taste this excellent drink by trying it in any tea shop. Find out here what Maghrebi mint tea is .
In Morocco, if you are offered a cup of tea, you should not refuse it, it is considered impolite. It can be prepared all day and usually takes a while to drink (about 30 minutes) as a token of courtesy. Also called Moorish tea or Moroccan tea.
Many people believe that the moroccan tea It is produced in Morocco, but it is not like that, actually the green tea comes from China, to which mint leaves are added and sweetened with sugar. If you travel to Morocco, you will not leave there without first drinking it several times.
In many regions this tea is drunk, although some vary with certain nuances, for example, the green tea with which it is made, others add pine nuts or orange blossom water. This is said to have the same essence, but with different preparations.
History of Maghrebi mint tea
Maghrebi mint tea began to be seen in Morocco in the 17th and 18th centuries when European diplomats brought it as a gift to the King of that country. However, it is said that it was the English who introduced it commercially.
Apparently in the middle of the 19th century they introduced green tea through the port of Tangier that was destined for the countries of the Baltic Sea. However, as a result of the Crimean War, the cargo had to be diverted to a new port. From that moment they began to drink in Morocco.
Maghrebi mint tea properties
Below are the properties found in magraby mint tea .
- Combat respiratory problems. Relieves those ills that ruin well-being, such as allergies, infections, congested chest, stuffy nose and coughing attacks. As it contains menthol, it is ideal for relieving the respiratory tract.
- Increase defenses. A cup of Moroccan tea contains vitamins and minerals such as: calcium, magnesium, fluorine, selenium and copper, which strengthen the immune system.
- Combat digestive problems. Thanks to the action of menthol that relaxes the intestinal muscles, it relieves stomach aches. In addition, due to the effect of mint, it reduces the feeling of nausea that is generated by gastrointestinal infections, pregnancy or chronic diseases.
- It is a natural antioxidant. Delays the aging process by improving the appearance of the skin.
- It’s diuretic. As it is a natural diuretic, it cleanses the body of toxins.
- Avoid cardiovascular diseases. Tea contains vitamin B3, which is what helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL). Also, it contains folic acid with an amino acid that regulates the body’s homocysteine, if it is in excess it causes cardiovascular problems.
The Moorish tea it can be prepared with mint or spearmint and drink it all day. It is drunk alone or accompanied with Moroccan sweets such as: gazelle horns, Feqqas, Chebaki, Ghriba, Briwat and Bastilla.
North African mint tea recipe
This recipe it is the modern way of preparing it, using basic ingredients.
Ingredients:
- A spoonful of green tea.
- 4 sprigs of mint or mint.
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (or honey).
- ½ liter of water.
How to prepare it?
A good tea depends on the amount of ingredients it contains.
- In a teapot with a little boiling water, place a tablespoon of green tea. Let infuse for 1 minute.
- We pour the preparation.
- Then, we fill the kettle with water again and put it on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the sugar (or honey) and leave for a minute.
- Add the mint (or mint) and stir for another minute.
- And ready! Drink this rich tea.
Importance of Maghrebi mint tea
Part of the culture of Morocco is drinking tea, it is a daily custom from a long time ago. It is common to drink tea among friends and family, it is a symbol of friendship and courtesy. It is drunk even in business or social meetings.
In Morocco they began to boil the water to consume it, because when it was extracted from the wells in the desert it was not hygienic or drinkable. To improve its flavor they added other herbs, such as cardamom, cinnamon, mint, mint or orange blossoms.
When European culture entered the country, so did its tea-drinking customs. Locals began to drink tea with boiled water and add sugar and mint to it. Mint or peppermint tea was spread throughout the Maghreb and today it is a drink typical of Morocco.
Other ways to try North African mint tea
In recent times, Japanese green tea has been used, this is because of the quality it has. Mint can be substituted for mint. On the other hand, sugar can be replaced by honey or another sweetener, Moroccans prefer to drink it very sweet, however, the amount can be reduced.
Another way to drink Moroccan mint tea it is cold, you just have to let it cool and add ice, it will keep its properties the same. Traditionally, sugar is placed between the teeth, which dissolves as the tea is drunk.
There are different preparations of this type of tea. For example, in Tunisia, fresh pine nuts are added. The Saharawi people do not use Gunpowder, they prefer Chun Mee tea. Also, it can be made with lavender, rosemary, thyme, roses or any other herb.