This traditional Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags is renowned for its distinctive smoky flavour and divinely rich aroma. Originating from the Fujian Province, China, this particular blend is created through a very unique processing method which sees the tea leaves artificially dried over pinewood fires, imparting the delectable taste this tea is renowned for. The name ‘Lapsang’ derives from the area around the village of Tong Mu Guan, where this tea was first created. Meanwhile, ‘Souchong’ refers to the tea leaves chosen. Whereas many other teas use the buds and first two leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, this blend is made from the larger and more mature leaves. It is also rumoured that Lapsang Souchong Tea was the tea of choice for the great Sir Winston Churchill!
Legend has it that this blend was created during the Qing Dynasty – a time of great upheaval within the Province and across the whole of China. While many stories have been circulated over the centuries, no definitive answer has ever been established as to how this blend came to be. One such tale follows the virtuous farmers in Fujian who found themselves burdened with thieving bandits looking to plunder the area for all it was worth. Anxious to get the whole crop to market before these bandits descended on their farms, workers were left with no choice but to artificially dry the leaves over pinewood fires in order to speed up the process.
The result was quite unexpected – a smoked tea. Originally considered a disaster, the farmers reluctantly packed their produce up for market in the hope that someone might be prepared to purchase the stock. At the port, they were approached by a Dutch trader interested in sampling the tea. As they stood in silence, expecting the worst, the trader took his first sip – he loved it! The farmers were astounded that their tea had been such a momentous success and promised to continue making the smoked tea, harvest after harvest – and so a new blend was born!
Type of Tea: 50 Black Tea Bags. 125g.
Origin: Fujian Province, China.
Brewing Guide: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Brew: The choice is yours with this delightful brew! Either have it black or with the addition of milk, honey or lemon!
Tasting Notes: A good place to start if you are looking to explore Lapsang Souchong Teas. The distinctive smoky taste is subtle with pleasant earthy aftertastes.
Colour in Cup: Darkish brown with golden highlights.
Health Benefits: Lapsang Souchong Leaf Tea is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the health benefits of black tea. With frequent consumption alongside a healthy and active lifestyle, you can expect to see benefits such as weight loss, stronger immune and digestive systems, and even lower cholesterol! Like other black teas, Lapsang Souchong can help increase the blood flow while reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream. This combined with natural antioxidant activity can also lead to a healthier cardiovascular system.
