Moroccan Mint

The journey of Gunpowder green tea to North Africa is a tale of culture, trade, and tradition that began in the 18th and 19th centuries. Brought to Morocco and Algeria by the British, this tea quickly found a new home, transforming from a simple beverage to a cultural symbol infused with meaning. As tea arrived on ships to the bustling port of Essaouira, Jewish merchants facilitated its passage to the heart of Morocco, where it became a cherished staple. By the mid-19th century, tea ceremonies were more than just a way to quench thirst—they were a social ritual that conveyed power, prestige, and refinement.

As the popularity of tea spread beyond urban centers, it became an everyday ritual among the nomadic Berber and Tuareg tribes, as well as in rural villages, particularly during times of hardship. In the late 19th century, the economic challenges brought by famines led to the widespread adoption of tea as an emergency source of nourishment and an appetite suppressant. In a land where coffee was scarce, especially compared to neighboring Algeria, tea quickly became Morocco’s favored drink. The drink not only served as sustenance but also a way for rural communities to emulate the sophisticated customs of the urban classes they both envied and despised.

Despite resistance from some Sufi leaders who viewed the European-imported sugar and tea with skepticism, Moroccan mint tea cemented its place in the hearts of the people. By the dawn of the 20th century, it had become a beloved tradition, synonymous with hospitality, comfort, and warmth. Each sip tells the story of a beverage that traveled across continents, adapted to local tastes, and became a symbol of Moroccan identity—a tradition that continues to this day.