Lapsang Souchong Loose Leaf Tea

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea originally from the Zheng Shan part of Mount Wuyi in the Fujian province of China. Real Lapsang Souchong is rare, as Wuyi is a small area and there is great demand for the tea. Many tea drinkers believe that there is a difference in quality between authentic Lapsang Souchong and that which is grown in other areas.

Lapsang Souchong is a tea which has been withered over pine or cedar fires, pan-fried, rolled and oxidized before being fully dried in bamboo baskets over burning pine. The result is a smoky, earthy brew with a dominant scent and flavour of campfires, which overlies the flavour of the black tea itself. Sometimes the flavour is described as "oaky", a reference to fine wines (which are stored in oak barrels and develop a characteristic flavour) but, in fact, oak is not used in the process. Tea drinkers describe Lapsang's flavour as "assertive" and "bold"; many consider it best suited to consumption in cold weather. Lapsang Souchong is considered most complementary to spicy or salty foods.

Price shown per 500g bag.