Moroccan Mint

Moroccan Mint

This traditional Moroccan tea is a refreshing blend of Chinese Gunpowder green tea and peppermint, and is great for alleviating heartburn. The classic recipe is heavily sweetened with raw sugar or agave nectar, however we've found that it is quite refreshing unsweetened as well. Moroccans drink this tea several times throughout the day, and on formal occasions, the tea is ceremonially prepared with beautifully crafted teaware. This tea can also be served cold with ice as a refreshing summer drink.

Ingredients

Green tea*, peppermint* (*organic)

Specifications

Story, Folklore, History

The Moroccan Tea CeremonyThe Moroccan tea ceremony used to take place frequently but today, it is reserved for special occasions.
The host will sit in front of a tray on which there are two teapots and ornate teacups. On the table are the ingredients: boiling water, green tea, mint leaves, and sugar.
The ritual begins with the host rinsing the teapots with boiling water, to warm them up. Green tea leaves are added to each pot and are rinsed with the boiling water, to get rid of the initial 'bite'. Sugar is then added to each pot followed by boiling water.
The mixture of green tea and sugar is left to steep for several minutes, after which it is stirred and poured into the teacups.
When pouring this mixture, the host will pour from both teapots simultaneously from considerable height, and will only fill the teacups halfway. There is never a drop spilled. The guest can then enjoy this first cup of green tea while the host continues the ritual by adding more green tea leaves and sugar to both teapots, and refilling them with boiling water.
The initial water leftover in the teapots is not discarded. At this time, handfulls of fresh mint leaves are added to the teapots, and the aroma of sweet mint permeates the air. When the first cup of green tea is finished, this second cup, infused with additional sugar and fresh mint leaves, is enjoyed. It is this second steeping that is famous around the world.