Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags

This is our traditional Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags. It offers a distinctively smoky flavour with malty undertones, all packed into quality Tea Bags for your convenience.

It originates from the Fujian province of China, with many suggesting it to be the first Black Tea ever created. Its processing involves drying the leaves over pinewood fires. This ultimately impacts its smoky taste so very much enjoyed by casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Lapsang Souchong, unlike many other Teas, uses larger and more mature leaves. It has a boldness that suits the palates of many, including (allegedly) the late British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill! While this may (or may not) be a myth, one thing that's for certain is that it has Black Tea benefits.

Research suggests that, when combined with a healthy and active lifestyle, it can improve one's wellbeing in small yet significant ways.

Moving Away From Plastic Tea Bags Microplastics

Plastic Tea Bags Microplastics are a scourge on the environment. That’s why The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company has since moved away from them, instead opting for Plastic Free Tea Bags. These are not only petrochemical plastic free, but also fully biodegradable Tea Bags.

We make them using a combination of wood pulp and vegetable starch, which is technically classified as a “bio-plastic.”

But what, exactly, does this term mean? A Bio-plastic, although not a perfect solution, is far better for mother nature than Plastic in Tea Bags Microplastics. By using plant-based materials, it ensures the continued welfare of the world we live in - a world, it’s worth noting, where we get our Lapsang Souchong. Why not try it today?

History of Lapsang Souchong Tea

Legend has it that Lapsang Souchong, and indeed Black Tea as a whole, was the product of an accident. Sometime during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), a group of Fujian Tea farmers found themselves confronted by bandits. These thieves and renegades demanded that the farmers harvest their crop and hand it over. However, the farmers didn't give up so easily.

The farmers, knowing they had little time before the bandits' return, got to work readying the crop for market. They decided to speed up oxidation by drying the leaves over pinewood fires. However, the result was unexpected - a 'smoked', seemingly 'black' Tea. At first, it appeared that they had ruined it. Nevertheless, they persisted.

At the market, Dutch traders approached the farmers with an interest in sampling their product. Upon their first sip, they fell in love with the unusual yet delicious infusion.

So, a new Tea was born - or so the story goes! Whether there is truth to this tale or not, however, doesn't matter. We are just thankful for its great taste and health benefits.

How to Brew Lapsang Souchong 

Type of Tea: Lapsang Souchong, Black Tea.

Origin: Fujian province, China.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Milk, sugar, honey or lemon - the choice is yours. We, however, recommend serving it black to get the most of its smoky, malty flavour.

Tasting Notes: This is an excellent starting point into the world of Lapsang Tea. It has a classic smoky taste with hints of maltiness.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, dark in tone.

Benefits of Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags

can improve cardiovascular health. This is because they contain an abundance of antioxidants capable of combating free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the product of natural, though harmful, human oxidation. When left unchecked, oxidation can increase the risk of not only cardiovascular disease but also a variety of other chronic conditions.

This includes type-2 diabetes and cancer. By combating free radicals, thus slowing oxidation, Lapsang Souchong reduces these risks.