Moroccan Mint Tea from Dean & Deluca

This is really yummy stuff. Black china tea leaves mixed with 
long curled up dry moroccan mint leaves. Very strong. 
2 teaspoons full enough for a full pot and I refilled it once 
after that. Good considering this wee little tin cost 
¥980 for 20 grams. 



As you can see, it looks good enough to put in one's pipe and
smoke.


This is how the mint leaves unfurl after a few minutes of
steeping. I have never tried Moroccan mint before. 
The flavor is distinctive and fresh, like a mix of mint, 
peppermint and wintergreen. Reminded me of summer and mojitos.

Here's some info regarding Moroccan tea culture on Wikipedia:

"It is believed that green tea was first introduced to Morocco 
in the 18th century, and began spreading through the country 
in the mid-1800s at the time the trade between the Maghreb and 
Europe started flourishing. It is reported that Sultan Moulay 
Ismail received many bags of tea and sugar as gifts and 
recompenses given by European envoys in order to release 
European prisoners.The main provider of tea to Morocco remains
China. According to the Moroccan trade ministry, Morocco 
imported more than $56 million worth of Chinese tea during
the first half of 2006. Morocco is considered the first
importer of Chinese green tea worldwide."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moroccan_tea_culture