Why Lapsang Souchong is a Popular Tea with Unparalleled Aroma

Lapsang Souchong, or Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, is a black tea originally from the Wuyi mountain. It is named for the city of Lapsang which was once one of China’s main tea producing regions.

Lapsang Souchong has an intense smoky aroma and flavor with a sweet and spicy finish. These characteristics are achieved by drying the leaves over fragrant pine fires, which are then smoked with pine needles and leaves from the Lapsang area before packaging. This process gives this tea its distinctive smoky flavor and dark coloration.

Why Choose Lapsang Souchong Over Other Teas?

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea widely known for the smoky, woodsy flavor that distinguishes it from other teas. It is a delicate and complex tea that is often considered to be one of the most enjoyable black teas on the market.

Lapsang Souchong tastes woodsy and smoky, which sets it apart from other blacks. The taste is also light and delicate. Lapsang Souchong is an excellent tea to be consumed at any time of day, but it may not be the best choice for someone who likes a more robust cup of tea such as Assam or Irish Breakfast.

How to Drink Lapsang Souchong Tea the Right Way

Unlike other types of teas, Lapsang Souchong is made using the traditional “wok firing” method in which pieces of fresh and raw leaf are added to a wok with water and allowed to steep for five minutes before being removed from the wok and allowed to cool. The leaves are then oxidized in airtight containers for up to three years.

Serving Lapsang Souchong tea is much easier than with other types of teas because it can be brewed straight, without any milk or sugar needed for its distinctive smoky flavor.

Other Types of Lapsang Tea and the Differences Between Them

As you might be aware, there are many types of Lapsang souchong that you might encounter in your tea journey.

Lapsang souchong oolong tea and Lapsang souchong black tea, both are made from oolong tea leaves that have been withered for 12 hours before rolling. However, the leaves must include only one bud and two tips.

Lapsang souchong green tea is made by steaming fresh oolong leaves during the wilting process. These leaves are then dried to stop them from opening further. This green tea will have a hint of vegetal character with a sweet aftertaste.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Lapsang Souchong Tea?

This black tea is also known for its health benefits. It contains antioxidants and helps in fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.

Lapsang Souchong tea has a flavor that you will not find in other teas like it because of the dry leaves used to produce it. The leaves have been heated up to release the fragrance in a process called roasting; this gives the black tea its unique smell and flavor.

The health benefits of Lapsang Souchong are unmatched by any other type of flavored black or green tea as it contains antioxidants that fight cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.