Learning about Moroccan tea culture

This week's guest blog is from Jennifer Harley of MEDA Financial Services, who recently returned from Morocco.

Morocco is well known for its dramatic landscapes and delectable food offerings. But Moroccans are perhaps under-recognized for their deep appreciation for tea. Chinese green tea is a staple of Moroccan culture.

The preparation, sharing and drinking of tea in all regions of the country has, over the past 200 years, become a tradition turned art form. Morocco is cited as being the first country ever to import to Chinese green tea and is now one of the biggest importers in the world.

The most exciting part of the tea ceremony is the pour – in fact, the repeated pouring. In order to aerate the tea, the tea maker will pour a full glass holding the pot several inches in the air and then pour the glass back into the pot. (Watch my video here: http://zook.ca/morocco/ )

This method produces a sort of bubbly foam on the top of the tea and ensures that the sugar is thoroughly mixed. Finally, everyone drinks. The show is so captivating that one hardly notices the wait.