The art of drinking tea in Morocco is a rich and deeply ingrained tradition. Moroccan tea is often referred to as “Moroccan mint tea.” It’s an important aspect of Moroccan culture and hospitality. Here’s some information about when to drink mint tea and verbena tea in Morocco and the differences between the two:
1. Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay b’nana):
- When to Drink: Mint tea is commonly consumed throughout the day in
Morocco. However, it is particularly associated with hospitality, and it’s customary to serve mint tea to guests as a sign of welcome. It’s also a popular choice for refreshing and rehydrating in the hot Moroccan climate. - Ingredients: The main ingredients of Moroccan mint tea are green tea leaves, fresh mint leaves (usually spearmint), and sugar. The green tea is typically Chinese gunpowder tea.
- Preparation: To prepare Moroccan mint tea, you first steep the green tea leaves in hot water, then add a generous amount of fresh mint leaves and sugar to taste. The tea is poured from a height to create a frothy top, which is an artful part of the serving process.
2. Verbena Tea (Lemon Verbena or Louiza):
- When to Drink: Verbena tea is typically enjoyed in the evening or after a meal in Morocco. It is known for its calming and digestive properties, making it a good choice to aid digestion and relax after a meal.
- Ingredients: Verbena tea is made from the leaves of the lemon verbena plant (Aloysia citrodora). It is caffeine-free and has a lemony, herbal flavor.
- Preparation: To make verbena tea, you simply steep dried or fresh lemon verbena leaves in hot water. It is often served without sugar, but you can add sugar or honey to taste if desired.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOROCCAN MINT TEA AND VERBENA TEA:
- Ingredients: The primary difference between the two teas is their ingredients. Moroccan mint tea contains green tea leaves, mint leaves, and sugar, while verbena tea is made solely from lemon verbena leaves.
- Caffeine: Moroccan mint tea contains caffeine due to the green tea leaves, while verbena tea is caffeine-free.
Flavor Profile: Moroccan mint tea has a distinct combination of green tea, mint, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and slightly minty flavor. Verbena tea has a lemony and herbal taste with a pleasant citrus aroma.- Occasions: Mint tea is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day and is often served to guests. Verbena tea is typically consumed in the evening or after meals for its soothing qualities.
Moroccan mint tea is a classic and widely consumed tea in Morocco, while
verbena tea is a caffeine-free herbal option enjoyed for its calming and digestive properties. It is drunk for a better sleep at night.
Both teas hold a special place in Moroccan culture and are an essential part of Moroccan hospitality.
