Types
Moroccan green tea, often simply referred to as Morrocan tea, has several types, each offering a unique flavor profile and experience. These varieties include:
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Sencha
Sencha green tea from Morocco is not commonly used. It is, however, the most popular type of green tea in Japan. In Japan, sencha is steamed during processing to stop oxidation and maintain its bright green color. Its refreshing taste and slightly grassy flavor make it a widely enjoyed daily tea.
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Gunpowder
Gunpowder green tea is the most common variety used in Moroccan green tea. This tea is richly flavored and tightly rolled into tiny pellets, which, when brewed, unfurl to reveal its leaves. Traditionally, gunpowder green tea was believed to help prevent spoilage during long journeys. The name also comes from its resemblance to old gunpowder pellets.
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Jade Oolong
Jade oolong is a less common variety of Moroccan green tea. It is more like a fusion version rather than authentic green tea from Morocco. It is semi-oxidized tea that lies between green and black tea. This variety offers a rich, creamy texture with floral tasting notes. It is highly valued for its sophisticated and delicate flavor.
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Chinese Lu Zhou
Chinese Lu Zhou is a green tea variety that is also less commonly used in Moroccan green tea. Lu Zhou is a fine quality green tea with small, tender leaves and a sweet, light flavor. It is prized for its quality within China.
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Thai Green Tea
Thai green tea is a less common variety used in Moroccan mint tea as well. Thai green tea offers a distinct flavor compared to Chinese green teas. It is known for its unique fragrance and slightly stronger taste. The leaves are often darker and thicker than traditional green tea varieties.
Ingredients & Materials
The materials and ingredients used to prepare Moroccan tea are simply green tea leaves, water, and fresh mint. However, more details can be added for more elaboration.
- Green tea leaves: Gunpowder green tea is the most common variety used in Moroccan green tea. This tea is richly flavored and tightly rolled into tiny pellets, which, when brewed, unfurl to reveal its leaves. Traditionally, gunpowder green tea was believed to help prevent spoilage during long journeys. The name also comes from its resemblance to old gunpowder pellets.
- Mint: Fresh spearmint, known as "nana," is the traditional mint used in Morocco. The variety of mint used in Morocco provides a cool, refreshing flavor that balances the robustness of the green tea.
- Water: Traditionally, Moroccan tea is prepared using boiling water. But in this case, slightly cooled boiling water is used to brew the tea. This helps prevent the green tea leaves from becoming too bitter.
- Sugar: Quite a significant amount of sugar is added to Moroccan mint tea to sweeten it and complement the flavors of the tea and mint.
How to Brew Moroccan Green Tea
The traditional Moroccan tea set, known as "théière et verres," consists of a teapot and small glasses, is used to brew and serve the tea.
- Ingredients: The main ingredients include gunpowder green tea leaves, fresh mint leaves, sugar (to taste), and boiling water.
- Warming the teapot: Before brewing, pour hot water into the teapot to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature of the brewed tea.
- Brewing: Add a couple of teaspoons of gunpowder green tea leaves to the teapot. Slowly pour boiling water over the tea leaves, covering them completely. Let it steep for about 3-4 minutes, depending on personal preference and the type of green tea used.
- Serving: Holding the teapot, pour a small amount of tea into one glass. This action, called "cherger," helps evenly distribute the flavors. Then pour the remaining tea into the glasses. The pouring is done from a height to create a slight froth and mix the ingredients well.
Benefits
Moroccan green tea is popular around the world and has multiple benefits.
- Antioxidant properties: Green tea, including Moroccan green tea, is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. This is good and helps promote overall health and reduce oxidative stress.
- Increased metabolism: Moroccan green tea helps boost metabolism because it is made of green tea. This may help with weight management and support the body’s calorie-burning processes.
- Hydration: Despite its caffeine content, green tea contributes to daily fluid intake and helps keep the body hydrated.
- Heart health: The antioxidants in Moroccan green tea can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. This supports cardiovascular health and may help improve overall heart function.
- Mental clarity: The moderate caffeine content and L-theanine in green tea promote alertness, focus, and mental clarity. This can be beneficial for improved cognitive function throughout the day.
How to Store Moroccan Green Tea
Proper storage of Moroccan green tea entails taking care of the gunpowder green tea leaves and the mint used to prepare it.
- Airtight container: Store gunpowder green tea leaves in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can cause oxidation and loss of freshness. Use a glass, tin, or opaque container to maintain their quality over time.
- Cool temperature: Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing the tea in the refrigerator or freezer, as the constant temperature fluctuations and moisture can negatively affect the leaves' texture and flavor.
- Separation from strong odors: Green tea can easily absorb surrounding odors. Thus, ensure the container is sealed and store it away from spices, herbs, and other strong-scented substances.
- Fresh mint storage: For fresh mint used in Moroccan mint tea, store it in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel or in a container with a little water to keep it fresh. Alternatively, mint can be kept in a glass of water in the refrigerator, similar to how one would store fresh herbs.
Q & A
Q1. What makes Moroccan green tea unique?
A1. Moroccan green tea is special because it is traditionally made with gunpowder green tea, fresh mint, and sugar. The combination of the tightly rolled tea leaves and spearmint creates a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
Q2. Can Moroccan green tea be served without sugar?
A2. Even though sugar is traditionally added to Moroccan green tea, it can definitely be enjoyed without it. The natural flavors of the green tea and mint will still be quite vibrant and refreshing.
Q2. Is Moroccan green tea good for weight loss?
A2. Yes, Moroccan green tea can be beneficial for weight loss because it is made with green tea. Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which together boost metabolism and enhance fat burning in the body.
Q3. What mint is used in Moroccan green tea?
A3. Spearmint, known as "nana" in Morocco, is the variety of mint commonly used in Moroccan green tea. It adds a cool and refreshing flavor to the tea.
Q4. How should Moroccan green tea be stored?
A4. Moroccan green tea leaves, like any other green tea, should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place, away from moisture and strong odors. This helps preserve their freshness and flavor.
