The History of Mint Tea Around the World

Mint tea is today one of the most iconic drinks in Moroccan culture. Yet, its history is the result of encounters between civilizations, commercial exchanges, and traditions that have been enriched over centuries.

From the first tea routes between Asia, Europe, and North Africa to the emergence of Atay as a cultural symbol, the history of mint tea tells more than just a simple drink: it bears witness to a living heritage, passed down from generation to generation.

This page offers you a look at the major stages in the history of mint tea, from its origins to its current role in culture and Mintéalogie®.

The Origins of Tea

The history of mint tea is the fruit of encounters between civilizations and centuries of cultural exchange. From the trade routes connecting China to the Islamic world to the origin of Moroccan tea, this ritual has gradually established itself as one of the most powerful symbols of hospitality and conviviality.

Today called Atay, tea in Morocco has become much more than a drink: a way of life and a universal language of sharing. Understanding its history means following the journey of tea across continents, cultures, and generations.

The origin of Moroccan mint tea results from the encounter between green tea from China and Morocco's hospitality traditions.

A symbol of hospitality and sharing, traditional Moroccan tea (Atay) is one of the cultural foundations of Mintéalogie developed by Maison NANA1807.

The Origins of Tea | From China to the Islamic World

The history of mint tea began long before its appearance in Morocco. Tea originated in China, where it has been consumed for over two millennia for its medicinal properties and refreshing qualities.

From the 8th and 9th centuries, trade relations between China and the Islamic world developed thanks to the Silk Roads and maritime exchanges in the Indian Ocean. Arab merchants frequented major Chinese ports, notably Guangzhou, where they discovered a drink obtained by infusing leaves in hot water: tea.

The Arab merchant Sulaiman al-Tajir, who traveled to China in the 9th century, described in his accounts a drink consumed for its medicinal properties and prepared by infusing leaves in hot water. This description clearly corresponds to the consumption of tea.

These accounts illustrate the first contacts between tea culture and the medieval Islamic world, long before this drink spread throughout the Maghreb.

The Introduction of Tea to Morocco

Tea gradually arrived in Morocco from the 18th century thanks to international maritime trade. Exchanges with European merchants and trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe contributed to introducing Chinese green tea into Moroccan ports.

Port cities like Tangier, Salé, and Mogador (now Essaouira) became centers of exchange where tea began to circulate in Moroccan society.

Moroccans quickly adapted this drink to their traditions by adding fresh mint, a plant widely cultivated in gardens and oases, as well as sugar. This combination gave birth to the famous Moroccan mint tea, called Atāy (Atay)→.

Over time, mint tea became Morocco's daily drink and a symbol of hospitality deeply rooted in Moroccan culture.

The tea imported to Morocco is mainly Chinese green tea, particularly the famous Gunpowder, whose rolled leaves withstand maritime transport well.

Progressively, this green tea became the base of Moroccan mint tea, to which Moroccans added fresh mint and sugar according to their traditions. Even today, this heritage inspires the creation of Organic Mint Teas→ that continue this tradition while respecting historical expertise.

Mint Tea in Moroccan Culture

In Morocco, serving tea is much more than a simple culinary gesture: it is a ritual of welcome and conviviality. Mint tea accompanies family gatherings, discussions among friends, and major celebrations.

The preparation of tea follows precise gestures: the tea is brewed in a traditional teapot then poured from a height into small decorated glasses to oxygenate the infusion and create a light foam.

To delve deeper into the art of preparing mint tea, also discover the NANA1807 Method | Mint Tea, which is inspired by traditional gestures passed down from generation to generation.

Even today, this ritual embodies the values of hospitality, generosity, and sharing that characterize Moroccan culture.

The History of Mint Tea in Mintéalogie®

Mint tea is today one of the most powerful symbols of the Moroccan way of life. Shared several times a day, it is present in homes, cafes, and souks, and accompanies important moments of daily life.

At Maison NANA1807, we perpetuate this heritage through a selection of organic mint teas inspired by this tradition.

Through Mintéalogie — the science and art of mint tea — our House strives to transmit and promote this unique culture, inherited from generations of gestures, expertise, and sharing.

Atay in Morocco, a Living Heritage

Mint tea is much more than a simple drink. In Morocco, it is a symbol of hospitality, conviviality, and peace. Shared in homes, cafes, or souks, it accompanies moments of encounter and dialogue.

From the Rif mountains to the medinas of Fez and the expanses of the Sahara, this ritual spans generations. Serving a glass of mint tea is a simple but deeply meaningful gesture: to welcome, honor the guest, and create a moment of fraternity.

Salé | a Memory Open to the World

Our family originates from Salé, a port city located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. For centuries, this city has been a crossroads of exchanges between Africa, Europe, and the Orient.

Andalusian communities found refuge there and enriched the city with their craftsmanship. Salé was also the city of the Sallee Rovers, sailors and traders who maintained relations with many ports around the world.

In this blend of cultures, mint tea embodies the spirit of travel, encounter, and hospitality.

From Morocco to Berry

In 1968, our family settled in Berry. The village of Rosières became our adopted homeland.

Rosières is known worldwide for its famous cookers and for the gastronomic history that developed there, notably with culinary masterclasses organized in the 1980s.

Between Morocco and Berry, between the art of tea and the art of cooking, our family history has been built around common values: hospitality, transmission, and sharing.

Mouima | Guardian of the Ritual

At the heart of this story is Mouima, my mother.

My children called their Moroccan grandmother "Mouima," which means "my darling mommy" in Moroccan Arabic.

For over thirty years, she welcomed me to Berry with her mint tea, faithful to the Moroccan tradition.

Historical Timeline | From China to Morocco

8th – 9th century

Arab merchants frequent Chinese ports and discover a drink obtained by infusing leaves: tea.

9th century

The Arab merchant Sulaiman al-Tajir describes in his accounts a Chinese drink consumed for its medicinal properties. This is one of the earliest descriptions of tea.

10th – 14th century

Travelers and geographers of the Islamic world such as Al-Masʿudi, Al-Idrissi, and Ibn Battûta describe the exchanges between China and the territories of the Muslim world.

18th century

Maritime trade facilitates the arrival of Chinese green tea in Morocco.

19th century

Moroccans add mint and sugar to green tea: Moroccan mint tea, called Atay, is born.

20th century

Mint tea becomes the national drink of Morocco and a symbol of hospitality.

Grand Tradition and Small Tradition

Over time, different ways of preparing mint tea have developed in Morocco. Mintéalogie distinguishes two main cultural approaches to this preparation: the Grand Tradition and the Small Tradition.

The Grand Tradition

In the Grand Tradition, inherited from ancient practices, mint tea is prepared in a balanced manner to preserve the harmony between tea and mint. Sugar remains moderate, or even absent in certain ancient preparations, allowing the natural aromas of the tea and the freshness of the mint to express themselves.

This approach emphasizes the quality of the tea leaves, the precision of the infusion, and the elegance of the gesture during serving.

The Small Tradition

During the 20th century, with the spread of tea to all strata of society, another way of preparing mint tea became widespread: a sweeter infusion, more generous in mint.

This Small Tradition corresponds to the popular evolution of the tea ritual. It reflects the adaptation of this drink to contemporary tastes and habits.

Today, these two approaches coexist and contribute to the cultural richness of Moroccan mint tea.

Mintéalogie | Science and Art of Mint Tea

From this passion was born a discipline that we call Mintéalogie→ : the science and art of mint tea.

It explores:

• the history of mint tea
• the science of infusion
• the ritual of service
• the culture of hospitality

The history of mint tea illustrates the encounter between the trade routes of the ancient world, the traditions of Morocco, and the art of hospitality that continues to be passed down from generation to generation today.

The Historical Legacy of Mint Tea Today

Today, mint tea remains one of the most vibrant symbols of Moroccan culture. Heir to a long history of exchanges and transmissions, Atay continues to embody the values of hospitality, sharing, and conviviality.

Through Mintéalogie®, Maison NANA1807 contributes to transmitting this heritage by valuing the cultural, historical, and sensory dimensions of mint tea, in order to preserve this tradition while incorporating it into a contemporary approach.

To delve deeper into the world of mint tea

To complete your discovery of the history of mint tea, we invite you to also explore:

• Complete Guide to Mint Tea
• Atay: Moroccan Cultural Heritage
• Traditional Moroccan Tea Recipe
• Discover Mintéalogie®