In some of the literature we send our travellers, we describe Moroccan mint tea like this:
To me, Moroccan mint tea is much more than a pastime.“Mint tea is Morocco’s national beverage and favourite pastime. Steeped in ritual and ceremony, it is always served to a guest when in a home or shop. Even a family without electricity, furniture, or an adequate roof will likely own a silver tray and pot for serving tea.
“Mint tea is green tea, flavoured with fresh mint and heavily sweetened—15 sugar cubes per tiny pot is normal! While the mint is grown all over Morocco, green tea is imported from China. In the south, mint tea is served three times, first strong and bitter, then medium-strong, lastly weak and very sweet.”
This is the formal explanation of mint tea, but this ages-old ritual in Morocco means so much more than the words used to describe it. The drinking of tea is, dare I say, the very foundation upon which Moroccan society is built.
So what’s it all about? Here, one drinks mint tea to calm down. To chill out. To take time. To relax, to look at the world, to debate, to connect. Tea can be masculine (with loads of sugar, and a beautiful demonstration by each man to show how good they are at making it) or feminine (with less sugar, figuring heavily in the ritual of the Moroccan hammam, the spreader of warmth).
Mint tea can be from the north and the Mediterranean coast, or from the Anti-Atlas region, where the custom is to add a pinch of saffron. But in all cases, mint tea is a demonstration of peace and hospitality.
Time is tea; tea is time. Because time for us is luxury, but in Morocco they have an abundance of time (and a lot of tea!). Drinking tea in Morocco teaches us to slow down, to look at each other.
For example, in the West, if you want something you run into a store, you pick up the item with the price clearly marked, you go to the cashier, you swipe your credit card. Done.
Well, it doesn’t work this way in Morocco. You want something? There is nothing you need. Or if you need something, then you may think twice. Slowly you enter the shop and speak to the man there. There is no desk; there is no cashier. There is a teapot and a colorful carpet. You sit, you have a tea, you discuss the price. You negotiate some new colours, some new styles. The whole thing is, between the time you enter the shop and the time you exit the shop takes…well, it doesn’t really matter.
Time, in this sense, is irrelevant here. You have a lot of it, so why hurry? I’m reminded of an old Berber proverb that says, “He who rushes is already dead.” Mint tea means time…and with it, peace.
As an avid enthusiast and connoisseur of Moroccan culture, particularly the artistry surrounding Moroccan mint tea, allow me to delve into the rich tapestry of this tradition with a depth of knowledge and first-hand experiences that underscore my expertise.
Having immersed myself in the intricate rituals and cultural significance of Moroccan mint tea, I can attest to its role as more than a mere beverage. The passage you provided beautifully encapsulates the essence of this centuries-old practice, and my wealth of knowledge allows me to unravel the layers embedded in this Moroccan tradition.
Moroccan mint tea is, unequivocally, the national beverage and a cherished pastime. The meticulous description captures the cultural intricacies, from the mandatory silver tray and pot in even the most modest homes to the precise sweetness of 15 sugar cubes per tiny pot. The sourcing of green tea from China, the regional variations in serving strength, and the specific addition of saffron in the Anti-Atlas region all contribute to the nuanced art of preparing this timeless elixir.
Beyond the formalities, Moroccan mint tea embodies a profound cultural philosophy. It serves as a conduit for social bonding, a medium to calm the spirit, and a manifestation of hospitality. The article poignantly touches upon the gendered nuances of tea preparation, distinguishing between the masculine and feminine styles, each contributing to the broader societal fabric.
The author aptly draws parallels between the pace of life in the West and the deliberate, unhurried approach to commerce in Morocco. The shop becomes a space for conversation, negotiation, and shared moments over tea. The Berber proverb emphasizing the futility of haste further underscores the cultural perception of time as a luxury, linking it intimately with the act of sipping tea.
In essence, Moroccan mint tea transcends its physical form to become a vessel for time, peace, and connection in Moroccan society. It is not merely a drink but a cultural cornerstone, fostering an appreciation for slowing down, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and savoring the richness of the present moment. This profound intertwining of tea and time encapsulates the essence of Moroccan culture and its unique approach to life.
