Lapsang Souchong detailed introduction🍂🔥

What kind of tea is Lapsang Souchong? 🌟

Lapsang Souchong, also known as Lapushan Souchong, is the world's oldest black tea and is revered as the "ancestor of black tea." Produced in Tongmuguan, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China, it is a fully fermented black tea. Its defining characteristic is that the tea leaves are smoked and dried with pinewood, imparting a strong pine smoke aroma and distinct caramel and dried longan fruit notes. The tea leaves are tightly bound black, and the tea liquor is a vibrant, translucent red. The sweet, mellow, and richly flavored tea is a classic favorite among black tea aficionados. 🍵🌲

Origin and growing environment🏞️

Lapsang Souchong is produced in Tongmuguan, Wuyi Mountain. Located near Huanggang Mountain, the highest peak in Wuyi Mountain, this area boasts a high altitude and a cool climate. Annual rainfall exceeds 2,300 mm, and the area is often shrouded in mist and receives little sunshine. The soil is loose and fertile, rich in organic matter, providing excellent growing conditions for tea trees. The local pinewood resources are abundant, serving as the sole fuel for smoking Lapsang Souchong tea, creating its distinctive pine smoke aroma, a key factor that distinguishes it from other black teas. 🌲🌫️

Production process ⏳

The production process of Lapsang Souchong involves picking the young buds (one bud and two leaves or one bud and three leaves), withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. The most important step in the drying process is the smoking process using pine wood. Traditionally, the smoking process takes over 10 hours, imbuing the surface of the tea leaves with a rich pine smoke aroma. Smoking not only imparts a unique aroma to the tea but also enhances the taste, creating a sweetness with notes of caramel and dried longan. This lengthy process requires meticulous temperature control, resulting in a tea with a highly recognizable aroma and taste. 🔥🍂

Brewing suggestions ☕

• It is recommended to use boiling water (100°C) to release the tea aroma.

• The tea leaves are about 3 grams, and it is best to use a porcelain pot or cup to brew the tea.

• The brewing time is about 3-5 minutes, and the soaking length can be adjusted according to your preference

• Brewing multiple times can let you feel the aroma and sweet taste of tea.

• When sipping, savor the strong and unique aroma of pine smoke and caramel that sets off the tea's charm.

Health Benefits💪

Lapsang Souchong is rich in tea polyphenols and amino acids, and has many health benefits:

• Anti-oxidation, delaying cell aging

• Promotes metabolism and helps burn fat and lose weight

• Boosts spirits, improves focus and concentration

• Warming the stomach and nourishing the body, suitable for drinking in cold weather

• Aids digestion and soothes stomach discomfort

Especially suitable for Hong Kong people to drink in winter and tea lovers who like smoky flavor. 🍵❤️

Summary of the characteristics of Lapsang Souchong

Editor's thoughts 🌟

Lapsang Souchong offers not only a rich, pine-smoky aroma but also a rich tapestry of cultural history. Its distinctive, smoky aroma is unforgettable, and drinking it feels like savoring an adventure through the forests of Wuyi Mountain, possessing a robust yet easygoing quality. I particularly enjoy its rich, sweet flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to Hong Kong-style barbecued meats. Warming and refreshing, it's perfect for a slow, savory sip on a cold day. Hong Kong fans of smoky black tea shouldn't miss this classic black tea with a rich history and unique flavor! 🥰🔥