Details:

Lapsang Souchong Tea, is one of a variety of black tea hailing its origin from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujiyan Province, China. It is also referred to as a smoked tea because of its rich, smoky flavor and aroma. The hand-picked dark twisted leaves are used for producing this smoked tea and are generally smoke-dried over pinewood fires that add a distinctive smoky flavor to it. The large leaves are plucked and moderately processed in the neighboring area, and then transported to the sheds to be smoked over the fire for a final drying. The leaves are then roasted in a bamboo basket called as a honglong, which is heated over burning firewood which provides the dried longan aroma and smoky flavor to this tea. It is believed to be the first black tea in history of the world. It is distinct in relation to other teas due to its strong, sweet, smoky flavor and aroma.

"Souchong" refers to the fourth and fifth leaves of the tea plant, farther away from the highly prized bud (pekoe) of the tea plant. These leaves are coarser than the leaves which are closer to the bud, and have lesser aromatic compounds. Smoking provides a more unique smoky flavor and aroma to this tea. Lapsang souchong's flavors comprise dried longan, pine smoke, and whiskey.

Origin:

Lapsang Souchong is popularly known in China as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong and has a unique origin myth and is believed to have been created by accident. It is said to have originated during the Dao Guang era of the Qing Dynasty, when an army unit passed through their village and decided to set up a camp at a tea factory which is filled with unprocessed tea leaves. When the passage of armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves in the Wuyi Mountain, the tea producers in their eagerness to satisfy demand, sped up the drying process by having their workers dry the tea leaves over fires made from local pines. Later on, when Dutch traders came to buy tea as they had been doing for many years, the villagers offered them this "special" tea that impressed the Dutch and they returned to buy more, even at a higher price.

How it works:

Lapsang souchong's has a coveted strong and smoky aroma and flavor. It creates a cool and calm feeling. Sweet, refreshing, fruity and smoky flavor of Lapsang Souchong Tea brings back life to the cup. Variation occurs in the strength of the flavor of the tea and the intensity of the smokiness. Less smoky varieties are also available for those who favor only a little smoke flavoring. This tea gives you a smoky, rich and fruity zest. It synthesizes well with salty and spicy dishes, as well as with cheese.

Benefits:

Lapsang Souchong emanates from the plant called Camellia Sinensis which is a good source of anti-oxidants and flavonoids that helps you overcome hangovers.

It helps in increasing blood flow while reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream. As it consists of natural antioxidants, it keeps cholesterol from oxidizing and sticking to blood vessel walls, leading to a healthier cardiovascular system.

The combination of various vitamins, polyphenols found in black tea can help in reducing the chances of getting cancer.

It strengthens immunity, provides protection from viruses that lead to colds, flu or other diseases. It also helps in fighting against various types of inflammations.