Other · Various regions

Moroccan Mint Tea Blend

Dried Chinese gunpowder green tea and fresh or dried spearmint leaves for making traditional Moroccan mint tea (atay). The national drink.

History & Cultural Context

Moroccan mint tea became the national drink in the 19th century when Chinese gunpowder green tea was introduced via British trade. The preparation — green tea steeped with a large amount of fresh spearmint and sugar — became a ritual of hospitality. The tea is poured from height to create a foamy top.

Materials

Gunpowder green teaChinese green tea rolled into tight pellets
Dried spearmintMentha spicata leaves, dried for preservation

Production Techniques

Tea blendingTraditional
Green tea and herbs measured and mixed in proportions

Production Notes

Gunpowder green tea (tightly rolled pellets) sold separately or pre-mixed with dried spearmint. Fresh mint is always added during preparation but dried mint travels well as a souvenir. Some blends include wormwood (shiba) for a bitter note.

Quality Indicators

Quality

Tightly rolled tea pelletsFresh minty aroma from dried leaves

Price Ranges

Budget10 – 30 MAD(~$1 – $3)

Small bag (100g), basic quality tea

Mid-range30 – 80 MAD(~$3 – $8)

250g, quality gunpowder, with dried mint

Premium80 – 200 MAD(~$8 – $20)

500g, premium tea, gift packaging, multiple herb options