In 1713, a year before she passed, Queen Anne sent the finest tea from China, delicate leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to Moulay Ismail, the sultan of Morocco at that time. Intrigued by the exotic infusion, the country quickly developed an affection for the art of tea becoming a symbol of hospitality and a cornerstone of our social customs, eventually leading to the birth of our famed Moroccan mint tea, “Atay” – a blend that marries Chinese green tea with fresh mint and of course – generous amounts of sugar.

The emblem of the brand, a coat of arms, features a shield sandwiched between two deers under a beautifully ornate peacock, and a Chinese porcelain dish to tell the tale of the 18th-century exchange, preserving the rich history of its origins to the region. 

And you know – just a thought – the legendary discovery of tea, often attributed to the mythical Chinese figure Emperor Shen Nong, the “Divine Farmer,” as they called him draws intriguing parallels with The Moroccan Botanist – and their farmers, Mohamed and Meryem.

Lately, tradition and innovation have been coming together flawlessly – especially in Marrakesh, and Meryem and Mohamed have aced every detail superbly. 

Beyond brewing, their biodegradable packaged teas are all naturally derived from Moroccan plants and made without any additives or artificial flavors. It’s an added layer supporting their commitment to organic farming, and community engagement, as well as hiring locals – people who know the lay of the land, per se. With every tea bag sold, a portion of the proceeds are contributed to social projects, with education taking front and center stage.

While you can explore their various tea fusions at The Moroccan Botanist shop or the Majorelle Garden shop, the brand now offers an additional treat – jars of organic, cold-pressed olive oil, described as “fruity with a strong character” – a must-add to the kitchen cabinet.