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| Lapsang Souchong Lapsang Souchong has an aroma of a pine and oak fire since it is dried over a fire of pine and cypress wood. Lapsang Souchong is also used in several recipes that require smoking. The infusion is bright red and sugar and milk is usually added. Fukienese word "souchong" means sub variety - that is a sub variety of other black teas from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. When Lapsang Souchong was first exported to western European countries and became famous on the international markets - it was no doubt due to the distinct aroma and flavor. Interestingly the best Lapsang is produced in the nature preserve located in the Wuyi Mountains where the high mountains with thick pine forests and heavy mist provide the ideal environment for growing top quality tea. Legend claims that the smoking process was discovered by accident. During the Qing dynasty, an army unit passing through Xingcun (Star Village) camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing. When the soldiers left and the workers could get back into the premises, they realized that to arrive at market in time, it was too late to dry the leaves in the usual way. So they lit open fires of pinewood to hasten the drying. Not only did the tea reach the market in time, but also the smoked pine flavor created a sensation! The method of production is as follows: The
leaves are first withered over fires of pine or cypress wood. After
pan-frying and rolling, they are presses into wooden barrels and covered
with cloth to ferment until they give off a pleasant fragrance. The
leaves are fired again and rolled into taut strips. Then they are placed
in bamboo baskets and hung on wooden racks over smoking pine fires to
dry and absorb the smoke flavor. When finished they are thick, glossy
black strips, and produce a dark red beverage with a unique aroma and
taste. It is generally consumed with sugar or milk. Depending upon one's
palate the taste can be light and intriguing or it can be heavy and
overpowering. Lapsang Souchong is best described as an acquired taste. |
 Lapsang Souchong Two Ounce $4.50 |
Lapsang Souchong Four Ounce $7.75 |
Lapsang Souchong Eight Ounce $13.75 |
Lapsang Souchong One Pound $22.50 |
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