Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata)

Moroccan Mint is an enduring, bushy, and versatile perennial or annual herb popularly utilized for making classic Moroccan tea. Cultivated for centuries as a medicinal plant, it shares similar bodily attributes to other mint species, having soft stems, densely packed green leaves with serrated edges, and purple-hued edible blossoms during summer and autumn. Its leaves exude an intense spearmint taste, both fresh and dried.

Moroccan mint tea is a popular beverage in Morocco. It is not just meant for drinking, it is meant for sharing and is a symbol of hospitality and family in Morocco. Moroccan mint is steeped along with a Chinese green tea referred to as ‘gunpowder’ tea and sugar. Once steeped, the tea is poured from a great height into glass cups to be enjoyed throughout the day and especially when one has visitors. There is a ritual to the making of Moroccan green tea, and it is highly regarded as part of the Moroccan culture. During various times throughout the year, other herbs are added to the tea to aid in maintaining good health and to be used as a kind of medicinal tea.