The Art of Moroccan Tea Ceremony
The Moroccan tea ceremony is a rich tradition steeped in hospitality and cultural significance that offers a glimpse into Moroccan society. We recently had the opportunity to learn more about this practice, and wanted to share it with you!
— Josh, Kody, and Veda
“You can visit a wealthy home and feel unwelcome, or a modest one and be treated like royalty”
~ Statement made regarding Moroccan Tea Ceremony
We dove into the world of Moroccan tea culture through a video that revealed its core: hospitality
Tools of the Trade
Tea sets are central to the ceremony, with each piece being a carefully crafted piece. Typically, preparation requires a main kettle for steeping, tiny colorful cups for guests, and sometimes a secondary kettle for boiling water. Thick embroidered cloths, called ghata, are used to protect and elevate the presentation. These elements are a blend of both practicality and performance, and contribute to the ceremony of tea preparation.
The Preparation
The steeping process is precise and methodical: Chinese gunpowder green tea is brewed alongside a combination of jaggery and fresh mint leaves. The first brew (essence) of just the tea leaves is discarded to avoid serving dust particles that emerge from the leaves, and the jaggery and mint are added to the second brew. In my experience, the first brew tends to be bitter, so this also contributes to the renowned sweetness of the tea!
Pouring From Great Heights
One of the most captivating parts of the Moroccan Tea Ceremony is its iconic pouring technique. Tea is poured from about six inches (and sometimes much higher) above the small glasses. This dramatic pouring ritual creates a frothy foam that keeps desert sand and dust out of the drink. Our group tried to emulate the technique to the best of our ability!
Steeped in Tradition
Participating in this ritual was both an interesting lesson and a delightful experience. What stood out most to me was the respect and tradition in every step of the ceremony. It deepened my appreciation for how traditions all over the world involving tea and other beverages work to preserve culture and foster community. Moroccan tea isn’t just a sweet minty drink, it’s a celebration of relationships and heritage.