Understanding Moroccans love tea

Moroccans prefer Chinese green tea. It is a country that imports the most green tea in the world. Moroccans believe in Islam and do not drink alcohol or other juices. But they like to drink tea every day. Also, the tea has become a part of Moroccan culture.

Why do Moroccans love tea?

1. Morocco is located in the tropical region of Africa, with strong monsoons and a hot climate. Refreshing drinks can cool down and quench thirst.
2. Morocco belongs to Arabs, most of whom believe in Islam. Strict religious rules restrict people from drinking and smoking. Tea has become an indispensable and important drink in the daily life of Moroccans.

During festivals, banquets, and major social events, they would add sugar to green tea to show the sweetness of life and respect for their customers. On many occasions, both the host and the guest would often use tea instead of wine to celebrate.

What kinds of tea are popular in Morocco?

The most popular drink in Morocco is called “mint tea”. Everyone drinks 14-15 cups of tea every day. The preparation method of “mint tea” is to add mint leaves to green tea, and then choose whether to add sugar according to personal taste.

The Origin of Moroccans’ love of tea

In the early 17th century, Queen Mary of England presented a batch of gifts to the King of Morocco at that time, including some exquisite tea sets. The purpose of the Queen’s doing so was that the English tea set manufacturers at that time wanted to promote their products to the Moroccan market, which was a huge market. So drinking tea first became popular in the Moroccan palace. 100 years later, the habit of drinking tea spread to every family. Moreover, green tea was cheaper than black tea at that time, and the merchants selling tea sets sold all the green tea to Moroccans, so Moroccans drank green tea.

The appeal of Moroccan tea

Tea sets such as teapots, tea trays, tea cups, green tea, white sugar, and fresh mint leaves are common tea-making accessories in Morocco. If it is winter, they will use fresh wormwood instead of mint leaves. Moroccans like to drink sweet tea, and usually put 8-10 sugar cubes in a pot of water. But the most authentic Moroccan mint tea does not put sugar, but local Moroccan sugar.

The traditional way of drinking tea in Morocco is generally a group of people sitting on the ground, and one person brews it. Tea cups are generally glass cups, some are completely transparent, and some also have some glass cups with strong ethnic characteristics. Generally, the cups in the same tea tray need to be of the same size to show equal respect for all guests. Because it is hot tea, more delicate tea cups will be equipped with a tea tray or a layer of insulation on the outer layer of the teacup.

Moroccan Tableware