We continue our journey exploring tea around the world, this time in the Middle East and African countries! Are you ready to go?

While Turkey may be famous for its black coffee, tea is also an important part of Turkish social life. Tradition dictates that young women know how to prepare the perfect cup of tea before they can marry. Cay tea is prepared in a double teapot: the tea is brewed in the top pot while simultaneously steaming the boiling water in the bottom pot. For the perfect Turkish tea, pour it into small, tulip-shaped glasses and never add milk. Sugar, if desired, is not added directly to the drink but placed under the tongue or between the cheeks while drinking.

Another major importer of tea is Egypt, and black tea is consumed several times a day. The tea leaves are thoroughly brewed and boiled, and the infusion is heavily sweetened. Dried mint leaves are sometimes added for extra flavor.

Tea is the national drink of Iran. Always sweetened, black tea is preferred for its warmth and comfort, while green tea is enjoyed for refreshment. Also known as Chai, it is served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, between meals... all day long! A pinch of rose petals is added to the tea leaves, followed by hot water, and the mixture is left to simmer for several minutes. Clear glasses are used so that customers can ensure the color of the tea is to their liking, as some prefer a lighter brew while others prefer a stronger one.

In Morocco, as in other countries in the region, tea is part of the local people's traditions of hospitality. Any house, shop, or hotel you visit will serve you the local version of tea. Tuareg tea is a very sweet green tea with added mint. Because of the great honor of preparing and serving tea, it is usually made by the man of the house. Guests at tea ceremonies are typically served three glasses, each symbolizing life, love, and death. It is considered impolite to refuse a drink or not finish it!
Mauritania also has its own version of the Tuareg tea service. The sweetening is done gradually with the three cups, making the first one bitter and ending progressively on a sweet note.

Africa is fertile ground for tea production. Kenya, for example, is the third-largest tea producer in the world. Being located on the equator, tea can be produced year-round! South Africa may not be a major exporter, but it's home to the Rooibos plant. While not technically a tea, this infusion is prepared in a similar way, and milk and/or sugar can be added. As for Malawi, the red color of the soil is transferred to the plants, giving the leaves a unique character not found in Kenyan tea.