Moroccan Orange Blossom Tea Recipe

If you're fortunate enough to be able to get fresh orange blossoms, try this fragrant Moroccan tea, as posted, which combines orange blossoms with spearmint. If however orange trees do not grow in your area you could substitute 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract for the leaves. I wanted to post this recipe with the authenticity of the method used in Morocco but with the substitution for those unable to acquire orange blossoms. The original version of this recipe was found at 'about.com'. Prep time is the time boiling the water. Cook time is the steeping time. Posted for ZWT 2010

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 2-4
• Yields: 1/2 liter

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  green tea leaves
• 10  oranges, blossoms (fresh & washed)
• 10  spearmint, leaves (fresh & washed)
• 1⁄2 liter  about 2 cups boiling water
• 1⁄4 cup sugar

Directions

1. Boil a liter of water.
2. Rinse the small tea pot with about 1/4 cup of the boiling water and discard.
3. Add the tea leaves and add 1/4 cup boiling water.
4. Swirl the pot to wash and rinse the leaves, and then carefully discard the water.
5. Add the orange flower blossoms, mint leaves and the sugar.
6. Fill the pot with 1/2 liter (about 2 cups) boiling water.
7. Leave combined tea mixture to steep for five minutes.
8. Gently stir the tea, pour into small tea glasses and serve.