In the Arabic culture, tea is more than just a healthy beverage. Arabic tea is part of Arab tradition and culture. Arabic tea is served at any time of the day and is a big part of the social culture in Arab countries. Whether it is at a social gathering or at a dinner table in the family home, the signature tall glasses of refreshing Arabic tea are always present. Spicy, healthy and delicious, it has also become popular in many other parts of the world.
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What is Arabic Tea?
Arabic tea is typically a hot, spicy and sweet flavored tea that is served in glasses. Aromatic and sweet flavored, Arabic tea is served at any time of the day as a staple in social gatherings, at mealtimes and even after meals. A common tea time treat served with Arabic tea is a serving of dates which also helps to sweeten the tea.
Arabic tea is a sign of hospitality and is offered to guests as part of Arab etiquette. Rejecting tea when offered is considered rude and a faux pas in the Arab culture.
Let’s have a look at the most popular types of Arabic tea.
1. Sage Tea (Maramia tea)
One of the most common Arabic teas is sage tea. Made from the leaves of Salvia officinalis, an herb in the mint family of plants, Sage tea is an aromatic Arabic tea with a refreshing flavor and distinct taste.
The scent of Maramia tea is only part of its appeal, this healthy Arabic tea is a well-known remedy for ailments such as hot flashes, oral viruses, lymph nodes, and muscle tension. These health properties are attributed to the abundant antioxidant compounds in Maramia tea. Another important health benefit of this Arabic tea is that it is effective as a weight-loss tonic and may even help in promoting hair growth.
How Do you Prepare Sage Tea?
Sage tea is readily available online and in grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use fresh or dried sage to brew some Sage tea at home. If you want to enjoy this tasty Arabic tea, you can do so right from the comfort of your home using this simple recipe.
Materials
1 tablespoon of fresh sage or dried sage, 1 cup water, sweetener to taste, fresh lemon juice (optional).
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water until it starts to boil.
- Step 2: Add in your sage and let the brew steep for at least five minutes covered.
- Step 3: Strain the brew into a cup and sweeten with your preferred sweetener. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
2. Anise Tea (Yansoon)
With natural sweetness and a unique flavor, Anise tea is a healthy and widely consumed type of Arabic tea. Yansoon tea has a sweet flavor and a characteristic fragrant aroma that is reminiscent of licorice. In the Arab world, this healthy Arabic tea is beloved for more than just its delicious taste, it is a well-known potent remedy for many ailments including upset stomachs, nausea, and hiccups.
Anise is an effective carminative and expectorant that make Anise tea a great remedy for coughs and congestion. This Arabic tea is also widely taken after meals due to its ability to decrease bloating and settle the stomach.
How Do you Prepare Anise Tea?
Yansoon tea is a great tea to have after your meals and with this simple recipe, you can enjoy this delicious Arabic tea at home.
Materials
1 -2 teaspoon anise seeds, 2 cups water, sugar to taste
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water until it starts to boil.
- Step 2: Add in your anise seeds and let the brew boil for at least 6 – 8 minutes while covered.
- Step 3: Strain the brew into a cup and sweeten with your preferred sweetener.
3. Chamomile Tea (Babooneh)
The soothing properties of chamomile tea make this soothing Arabic tea a popular beverage in many parts of the world. A popular bedtime tonic, chamomile tea has long been used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders and to relieve stress and anxiety.
Apart from its soothing properties, Babooneh Arabic tea has plenty of health benefits including lowering blood sugar, relieving cold symptoms and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea has also been found to be effective in relieving menstrual cramps due to its muscle relaxing qualities.
To make a soothing cup of this caffeine-free Arabic tea, all you need is this simple recipe.
Materials
4 teaspoons dried chamomile, Water
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water until it starts to boil.
- Step 2: Add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile for each cup of water.
- Step 3: Put the lid back on and let the tea steep for 7-10 minutes.
- Step 4: Strain the brew into a glass and you may also add sweetener to taste.
4. Thyme Tea (Za’atar)
Za’atar, known as wild thyme is used to make the healthy Arabic tea that is thyme tea. Za’atar tea is known for its memory-boosting properties amongst a host of other health benefits that make this tea one of the healthiest Arabic teas. Za’atar tea is rich in antioxidants which are effective as anti-aging remedies and promote overall body immunity by eliminating toxins from the body.
The great thing about Arabic teas including Za’atar or thyme tea is that they are easy to brew and the ingredients are readily available. To make thyme tea, buy prepackaged thyme tea. Alternatively, you can use fresh or dried thyme to brew your tea.
Materials
Fresh or dried thyme, Water, Ginger (optional)
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water until it starts to boil.
- Step 2: Pour hot water, not boiling into a teapot with sprigs of thyme (3 thyme sprigs per cup).
- Step 3: Allow the tea steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the brew into a cup through a strainer. You may also add some honey to sweeten and a slice of ginger for a spicy flavor.
5. Cardamom Tea (Hal)
When you think of Arabic tea, cardamom tea or hal is probably at the top of your list. Widely cherished for its distinct flavor and aroma, this popular Arabic tea is a popular staple in most tea houses and homes in the Arab world. Cardamom tea is sometimes mixed with coffee to make an invigorating brew that refreshes and energizes the body.
This healthy Arabic tea is great for digestion and is commonly taken before meals. To make a delicious cup of Cardamom tea, follow this simple recipe and enjoy a refreshing cup of Arabic tea right in the comfort of your home.
Materials
4 cardamom pods, 4 black peppercorns, 4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, water
Steps
- Step 1: Place all ingredients in 2 1/2 cups of water, heat, but do not boil. for half an hour and strain.
- Step 2: Allow the tea steep for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Strain the tea into a cup, add some honey and a splash of milk and enjoy.
6. Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay)
This type of Arabic tea is a delicious twist on the classic Arabian black mint tea. Atay tea is green tea infused with a dash of refreshing mint. It’s usually brewed very sweet and is perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot afternoon.
If you need a quick pick me up or a refreshing cup to get you moving Moroccan Mint tea is the perfect tea for a quick energy boost. Atay tea is also great after meals to cleanse the palate.
How do you enjoy this sweet Arabic treat the traditional way? Well, here is a simple recipe you can use to make your cup of Atay tea.
Materials:
Green tea, fresh mint, sugar or honey
Steps
- Step 1: Rinse the tea leaves in enough boiling water to cover. Swirl and strain. This step is done to reduce the strength of the green tea.
- Step 2: Boil the green tea leaves for about 3 minutes and add some sugar while the tea is brewing
- Step 3: Remove from heat and add the fresh mint leaves.
- Step 4: Pour the tea into your cup and for better flavor, pour from a height to aerate the tea
You can enjoy this Arabic tea either hot or chilled! It is also delicious sweetened with a bit of honey.
7. Egyptian Hibiscus Tea (Karkady)
Egyptian Hibiscus tea (Karkady) is another popular Arabic tea that is renowned for its health properties as well as its refreshing qualities. This tea is naturally caffeine-free and is usually made from the hibiscus flower. Karkady can be enjoyed either hot or cold and makes a great soothing tea. Egyptian hibiscus tea is also packed with healthy antioxidants and has been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure.
To brew your Egyptian hibiscus tea, you can find dried hibiscus in tea bags or use dried whole hibiscus flowers for a richer flavor. This simple recipe will guide you on how to brew a cup of delicious hibiscus tea.
Materials:
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, 2 cups water
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water and once it starts to boil, add in the dried hibiscus flowers.
- Step 2: Boil them for about 2 minutes, turn off the heat and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Strain into a teapot or pitcher and stir in sugar to taste.
- Step 4: Allow the tea to cool then serve in a glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves a refreshing flavor.
8. Mint Tea (Na’na)
Mint tea is another example of a refreshing and healthy type of Arabic tea. Known for its health properties, mint tea has been used for ages as a natural remedy for ailments ranging from colds and flu, ulcers, indigestion, and even upper respiratory tract infections.
The rosmarinic acid in Na’na or mint tea has been found to be effective as an antihistamine for seasonal allergies. This coupled with the antioxidant compounds present in na’na tea make this Arabic tea a truly healthy beverage that helps in boosting health and improves the body’s natural immunity.
The soothing fragrance of mint tea is both soothing and invigorating to the senses and this Arabic tea is popular as an energizing beverage that works any time of day.
Materials:
a cup of dried or fresh mint leaves, sugar, a cup of water
Steps
- Step 1: Heat the water and once it starts to boil, add in the mint leaves.
- Step 2: Steep for about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Strain into a cup and stir in sugar or honey to taste.
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