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Fresh Mango Leaf Tea Recipe | The African Gourmet

Fresh Mango Leaf Tea Recipe | The African Gourmet

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Fresh Mango Leaf Tea Made with Young Green Mango Leaves

Across Africa, people have brewed tea from the land — from mango and papaya leaves to mint and lemongrass. This mango leaf tea, made with tender green mango leaves, connects wellness and tradition in one calming cup.

Fresh mango leaf tea brewed from young green mango leaves, African natural tea tradition

Mango leaf tea — a natural African infusion made with fresh, young leaves.

How to Make Mango Leaf Tea

Ingredients

  • 5 cups of water
  • Fresh young mango leaves, clean and blemish-free

Directions

  1. Boil 5 cups of water.
  2. Choose young leaves from your mango tree.
  3. Wash and tear the mango leaves into medium pieces.
  4. Add leaves to the boiling water and steep for 15 minutes.
  5. Strain the tea, serve warm, and sweeten if desired.

Mango leaf tea has a mild, refreshing taste and has been enjoyed across Africa for generations.

African mango fruit and tree, source of edible mango leaves

The African mango — fruit, leaves, and tradition intertwined.

Beyond the Cup: African Tea Culture

Tea made from mango leaves has been brewed throughout Africa for thousands of years. Fresh natural teas are part of everyday wellness, not limited to packaged tea bags. Papaya, lemon, mint, avocado, and mango leaves are all part of Africa’s herbal tea heritage.

The young mango leaf, shiny and green, is edible and rich in plant compounds. In addition to tea, it’s sometimes cooked or added to healing blends that honor Africa’s connection to nature’s medicine.

Mango tree with green fruit and young leaves used for African tea

Mango tree leaves — young, green, and full of natural vitality.

Do Mangoes Grow in Africa?

If you don’t have a mango tree in your yard, mango leaves can be found at specialty grocers or online. Africa grows many mango varieties — from the African mango to Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Honey mango. The fruit thrives across tropical climates, from Nigeria and Egypt to Uganda and Kenya.

Enjoy Tea with African Desserts

Pair your mango leaf tea with these sweet African treats:

  1. Caakiri Couscous Dessert Pudding
  2. Couscous with Honey
  3. Mango Potato Cake
  4. Fresh Ginger Cake
  5. Breadfruit Buttermilk Honey Cake

Did you know? “Mango” is singular and “mangoes” plural — and both are delicious in every African kitchen.

The African Gourmet logo symbolizing African culinary heritage

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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