Morocco

In the Kingdom of Morocco, tea is the most popular drink. In fact, it is the national drink. In our country, tea is considered very important for relaxing together with the family or entertaining guests. Regarded as indispensable for welcoming visitors, tea is served in a very refined way. In the reception room, incense is burned and the host and guests refresh their hands with rose or orange blossom water as they take their seats. The favorite tea among Moroccans is hot mint tea, prepared with fresh mint and sugar added to green tea. Green tea, fresh mint and sugar are set in a special pot in this order, and then are covered with boiling water. When the flavor of the mint and tea permeates the hot water and the leaves unfold, the tea is poured into crystal-glasses. To acquire the optimum taste, glasses are filled in two stages. A truly fine tea will have a golden color that is not so dark, a subtle taste of green tea over the mint, and a slightly frothy surface. Although different in style, tea ceremonies are one of the very special features shared by the Moroccan and Japanese cultures.