Make Arabic Mint Tea

Moroccan mint tea atay atay is one of the most traditional teas in north africa and prepared with mint leaves and sugar.

Make arabic mint tea. Mint tea is one of my favorite hot drinks to enjoy on cold rainy days or in the depths of winter. Fill up the pot with boiling water and let it infuse for 2 3 mins or until the liquid starts to take on a slight pale yellow green hue. A generous quantity of fresh spearmint leaves na na in moroccan arabic is also essential to mint tea. Spicy brew boost the infusion with a more assertive spice mix usually at the expense of the mint leaves as the fragrant subtlety is lost once the spices take over.

Many families serve tea more than once a day and moroccan hospitality dictates that one must always offer mint tea to both drop ins and expected guests. Mint tea isn t just a drink in morocco it is a sign of hospitality friendship and tradition. Others say that early nomadic berbers brought tea to morocco from asia and there are those who believe that arab settlers introduced tea to the lands. Strain the tea into cups or heatproof glasses and sweeten with honey to taste.

How to make moroccan tea. Quite a few varieties of spearmint can be found in morocco depending on the region and time of year. Moroccan teapots vary in size but a small pot typically holds about a half liter six small tea glasses while a larger pot holds approximately a liter 12 glasses. Drop the reserved mint into the cups to decorate if you like.

Since this drink is so popular it is served all day long after every meal and with every conversation. Originally introduced by english merchants the tea has spread in popularity throughout. Some people believe that phoenicians brought tea to the area in the 12th century bc. The wonderful thing about mint tea is that it s so easy to make yourself.

The exact origins of the drink in morocco are unknown with various tales told about how tea first came to the country. You can mix several different kinds of mint together like spearmint peppermint and chocolate mint to make your own special blend or just keep it simple and stick with one. Today i thought i would show you how i grow make and enjoy.