The unusual name of this tea — Gunpowder — has long been ingrained into the vocabulary of tea drinkers. This variety of Chinese green tea really looks like gunpowder (although the Chinese, known for their penchant for metaphors, believe that it looks more like pearls): the leaves rolled into balls are its distinctive feature.
However, it is not the only reason why this tea stands out from among other varieties. The brewed Gunpowder has a sweet taste and distinct honey notes, which are perfectly combined with mint, spices and citrus. The Moroccans were the first to taste this bouquet.
Despite the fact that Gunpowder has never been grown in Africa, a spicy mint-citrus drink based on it is considered a purely local specialty. According to the rules, it is prepared by an older family member to treat a welcome guest, thereby expressing their respect. In Morocco, this tea is brewed on fire, so we also suggest you should make it according to an authentic recipe, but with minor adjustments to our reality.
To prepare 500 ml of Moroccan tea, you need:
- 2 tsp of Gunpowder,
- a bunch of fresh mint,
- spices (cinnamon, cardamom in grains, cloves, Chinese anise),
- a lemon or lime,
- sugar to taste (can be replaced with honey).
Add dry Gunpowder balls in a glass heat-resistant jug (or a large glass teapot) and pour hot water over them, which should be drained immediately. This way you will wake up the leaves and wash them from the dust.
Then add 250 ml of hot water, let it brew for 1-2 minutes and pour the infusion into a separate cup or mug, leaving the leaves in the jug.
Put a sprig of mint on top of the unfolded hot leaves, a bit of your favourite spices (later you can try adding other quantity and proportions), and a few lumps of sugar. Return the first tea leaves from the glass to the jug.
Add another 250 ml of hot water. If your jug or kettle is designed to be heated on the stove, bring the tea to a boil and brew for 2 minutes. However, you can just leave the drink to infuse for 5-10 minutes.
Moroccan tea is drunk from special glasses (similar to shots), after adding a slice of lime or lemon. This beverage saves the inhabitants of North Africa from the heat (they drink it cooled), and on the contrary, it can warm us in cold weather.
To save yourself the trouble of making Moroccan tea according to the recipe, you can use ready-made Moroccan tea bags:
