Description
Lapsang Souchong is a unique and distinctive black tea originating from the Wuyi Mountains in China’s Fujian province with a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It’s believed to have been discovered by accident when tea producers had to quickly dry their leaves over a fire to meet demand. What sets it apart is the smoking process it undergoes, which imparts a bold and smoky flavour profile. This distinctive smokiness is achieved by drying the tea leaves over pinewood fires, which infuses them with a rich, woody, and smoky essence.
The tea itself is made from large tea leaves, typically the Zhengshan Xiaozhong (or Lapsang Souchong) cultivar, with a natural sweetness and a mild fruity undertone, which complements the smokiness.
To make Lapsang Souchong, the tea leaves are first withered over pine fires, then rolled and oxidised before the final smoking process. After smoking, the leaves are further roasted to enhance the flavour. This gives the dry leaves a characteristic dark, twisted, and glossy appearance. The liquor brewed from these leaves has a reddish-brown colour.
While Lapsang Souchong is often enjoyed on its own, it can also be used in culinary applications. Its smoky notes make it an interesting ingredient in marinades, sauces, and even cocktails.
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Wellbeing
Lapsang Souchong is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants can help neutralise free radicals, protecting cells from damage.
Lapsang Souchong is also a good source of caffeine, which can help improve alertness and cognitive function. Caffeine is a stimulant that works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired. Caffeine can also increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
Lapsang Souchong is also a good source of L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to have a number of health benefits. L-theanine can help improve relaxation and focus, and it may also help improve sleep quality.
Overall, Lapsang Souchong is a healthy tea that can provide a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants, caffeine, and L-theanine. Lapsang Souchong can help protect the body against damage from free radicals, improve alertness and cognitive function, and improve relaxation and focus.
However, it is important to note that Lapsang Souchong is also high in tannins, which can bind to iron and other minerals in the body, making them less available for absorption.
Therefore, it is important to drink Lapsang Souchong in moderation.
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Ingredients
Black Lapsang Souchong tea
This tea contains 100% natural products without allergens or impurities, and no added flavours or colourants, so its consumption should not cause any unpleasant stomach upsets. Please refer to possible side effects in the next tab.
Shake well before use.
GMO-Free. Suitable for vegans.
Hand-blended & prepared in Shropshire, England.
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Preparation
To brew Lapsang Souchong, use water just below boiling temperature (around 93°C or 200°F) and steep the leaves for 3-5 minutes, depending on your taste preferences.
Lapsang Souchong can be enjoyed on its own, or with milk and sugar. It is also a popular ingredient in cocktails and other mixed drinks.
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Possible Side Effects
Lapsang Souchong is generally safe to drink, but there are some potential side effects mainly associated with caffeine that you should be aware of. These could include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety.
- Headaches.
- Stomach upset thanks to the tannins.
- Diarrhoea.
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