The Mint Tea Routes

The Roads of Mint Tea in Morocco

The roads of Mint Tea in Morocco is much more than just a gastronomic journey. They are a reflection of a rich and ancient culture, where hospitality, traditions and maritime history meet. As we travel these roads, we discover the deep roots of this iconic drink, from historic ports to bustling cities to vast mint fields. This article explores these routes in depth, shedding light on the geography, history and culture behind them.

History and Introduction of Tea in Morocco

Contrary to popular belief that the British introduced the Tea in Morocco in the 18th century, traces of consumption of Tea have been around for much longer. Trade between China and Morocco dates back to at least the 8th century, during the era of the Tang dynasty in China.

Chinese Green Tea in Moroccan Ports

Chinese merchant ships called at Moroccan ports as early as the 12th century. The port of Mogador (today Essaouira) was an important stopping point on the maritime route linking the East and the West. These commercial exchanges allowed the introduction of Tea in Morocco long before the modern era.

The Rise of Moroccan Mint Tea

With the addition of fresh mint, which is abundant in Morocco, the Tea has acquired a new dimension. THE Mint Tea has become a symbol of Moroccan hospitality, offered at all social occasions and family events.

Geography of Mint Cultivation in Morocco

Moroccan Mint Production Regions

Classified as a vegetable variety, mint is mainly grown in the regions around the following cities:

• Settat
• Meknes
• Benslimane
• Rabat-Salé
• Marrakech
• Larache
• Agadir

National Mint Production

National production of mint is between 65,000 and 70,000 tonnes per year over an area of ​​4,000 hectares, representing 1% of market gardening. The yield per hectare is 22.5 tonnes according to the producers.

Main Producing Region

The Settat region is the main producer of mint, particularly of the “Brouj” variety. It produces between 100,000 and 300,000 bunches per hectare per harvest, or 40 to 120 tonnes per hectare per year over an area of ​​800 hectares. The production of other varieties such as “El Abdi”, “Mlaqqem”, “Meknassi” and “Marrakchi” reaches 50,000 to 100,000 bunches per hectare per harvest.

Organic Mint

• Marrakech-Safi
• Fez-Meknes
• Souss-Massa
• Rabat-Salé-Kénitra

Notable growth is also observed in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. Organic farming in Morocco has diversified to encompass virtually all crops, including fruit trees and vegetables. Growth is also noted in crops requiring little water, such as carob and aromatic and medicinal plants.

The Geographical Routes of Mint Tea in Morocco

Import and Distribution Routes

• Port of Tangier: One of the main entry points for foreign products in northern Morocco.
• Port of Casablanca: Another crucial entry point for imports of Tea .
• Road from Marrakech to Fez: An important internal trade route connecting major cities for the distribution of Tea and other goods.

Key Regions and Cultural Points

Rabat, the City of Lights

• Kasbah des Oudayas: An emblematic place to taste the Tea while enjoying the view of the Bouregreg river.
• Medina of Rabat: Its narrow streets shelter houses of Traditional tea .

Fez, the City of Art and History

• Medina of Fez: Historical and cultural heart, where the Tea is omnipresent.
• Talaa Kebira Market: Main market where you can find herbs, mint and Green Tea.

Marrakech, the Ocher City

• Jemaa el-Fna: Nerve center of social and cultural life where the Tea is served day and night.
• Traditional neighborhoods: Cafes and houses of Traditional tea parties are ideal places to enjoy a Authentic tea .

Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl

• Medina Cafes: The Blue City, famous for its picturesque beauty, offers unique coffee tasting experiences Tea .

Savory: An Essential Stopover on the Mint Tea Routes

History of Salé and Its Port

From the 8th century, Salé emerged as an important commercial center thanks to its strategic port on the Atlantic. The port of Salé served as a stopover point for ships coming from the East and West, thus facilitating the exchange of goods, including the Tea .

Republic of Bouregreg

In the 17th century, Salé became the center of the Republic of Bouregreg, a semi-autonomous entity ruled by privateers and pirates known as the Salle Rovers. These feared sailors roamed the seas and oceans, capturing European ships and bringing back considerable wealth.

The Salle Rovers: Navigators and Corsairs

The Salle Rovers have marked the maritime history of Salé. They established daring sea routes and maintained trade relations with several European nations. Their influence extended well beyond the Moroccan coast, and their corsair activity contributed to the economic prosperity of Salé.

Savory and Mint Tea

Introduction of Tea

With its active port, Salé has been a key entry point for Green Tea from China and other regions. Trade with Chinese merchants and interactions with other cultures facilitated the introduction of Tea in Morocco.

Mint Tradition

Mint, abundant in the region, was quickly integrated into the preparation of Tea , thus creating the famous Moroccan Mint Tea . The markets of Salé, particularly the medina, are still places today where you can buy fresh mint leaves and Quality Green Tea .

Points of Interest in Salé on the Mint Tea Routes

Medina of Salé

• The narrow streets of the medina are filled with houses of Traditional tea where you can enjoy a Authentic Mint Tea . The souks sell herbs, spices and Green Tea , creating a rich sensory experience.

Great Mosque of Salé

• Founded in the 12th century, the mosque stands in the middle of the Talaâ district and dominates almost the entire Medina. It is the second oldest mosque in the kingdom after that of Al Quaraouiyine, where the Mint Tea is often served during religious and festive ceremonies.

Borj Adoumoue

• Literally “bastion of tears”, this old fortress offers a panoramic view of the city and the Bouregreg river. It is an ideal place to enjoy a Tea while admiring the landscape.

Salty in Moroccan Tea Culture

Hospitality and Sharing

THE Mint Tea is a symbol of Moroccan hospitality, and in Salé it is often offered to visitors as a sign of welcome. Tradition has it that the Tea is carefully prepared and served with local pastries, such as gazelle horns.

Ceremonial and Art of Preparing Tea

The preparation of Salé Mint Tea follows precise steps: rinse the Tea , add fresh mint and sugar, and pour in the Tea theatrically to create a light foam. Each step is carried out with particular attention, reflecting the importance of this drink in the local culture.

Maison NANA1807: Heritage and Know-How

Maison NANA1807 draws its ancestral know-how from the Cherkaoui lineage and the origins of Mouima from the town of Salé. This rich heritage is manifested in the unique way of preparing and serving the Tea , preserving traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Conclusion

Incorporate Salé into the roads of Mint Tea reveals not only the richness of this tradition, but also the historical and cultural importance of the city.

With its historic port and the maritime adventures of the Salle Rovers, Salé plays an essential role in the history of Tea in Morocco.

The city continues to offer an authentic experience through its bustling markets, houses of Traditional tea and its fascinating maritime heritage.

Traveling the roads of Mint Tea in Morocco, we discover much more than a simple drink: we immerse ourselves in a living and vibrant culture, woven from centuries of history and traditions.

Whether in mint fields, bustling markets, or ancient fortresses, every cup of Tea tells a story, that of Morocco and its people.