Tea Culture in Morocco

Moroccan people drink 2.7 lb of tea per capita per year.

Their favorite and traditional infusion is mint tea.

History of Moroccan Tea

There is a belief that tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 12th century by Phoenicians while others say that the nomadic Berber tribes imported it from Asia even before that.

Some say that the Arabs brought tea to Morocco and there are even claims that the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors brought tea to the North African country in the 19th century.

In the end, the latest belief is that Queen Victoria introduced tea to Morocco.

Whatever the case is, it’s a fact the Moroccan people today drink between three and ten cups a day.

Tea Culture in Morocco

Mint tea in Morocco is a symbol of friendship and hospitality.

It is offered to friends, relatives, colleagues, guests, and customers.

There is a belief that men prepare a better tea than women and it takes them up to 30 minutes to make it.

When Moroccans prepare tea for their guests, they display a tray with a teapot, hot water, tea leaves, mint leaves, teacups (glass shot-size glasses), and sugar so the visitor can witness the entire preparation.

Tea is served to everyone who enters a business or someone’s home and it’s usually consumed after every meal to help digestion.

However, people drink mint tea throughout the day and almost always sweeten it with sugar.

Moroccan tea is prepared with Chinese Green tea and mint leaves. It is poured from a height so it can collect the oxygen that got lost with the boiling.

Refusing a cup of tea in Morocco is considered an offense and it’s extremely impolite.