The Three Teas

At the National Festival, we were introduced to Malian Tea.  There are three teas served during this traditional custom.  The first tea is strong and bitter but represents a welcome to the visitor.  The second tea, served much later, is a bit weaker and sweeter.  This tea represents the affection of the host to the company.  The third tea, the lightest and sweetest, represents the commitment of the relationship between the host and the guests.  The tea is shared in peace and without hurry.  Time is not important.  Great care is taken as the host pours the tea into the small cups.  Time and again the tea is sent back to the pot to be re-poured until the foam at the top is just perfect.  A long stream of tea from the pot to the cup is used to maximize the amount of foam that forms in the cup.