The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Lapsang Souchong-Strong and Smoky Tea
From its birthplace in China's Wuyi Mountains in the northern Fujian Province, Lapsang Souchong,
or Tarry Lapsang as it's called in the West is a black tea infused with pine smoke to give it a
strong, smoky flavor all its own.  This is a tea you'll either love or hate, with no middle ground.

Also known as Russian Caravan in the West, it has a huge following of devoted fans that enjoy
drinking the brew straight up, without condiments of lemon, milk, or sweeteners of any kind.
There are two methods of production for
Lapsang Souchong tea.  One is the ancient,
limited production and authentic artisan method
called Zhen Shan Xiao Zhong.

The other is the much larger production of
finished/manufactured black tea that is
transported to the smoking sheds of Zen Shan,
to receive a heavy smoking before being
shipped around the world to waiting buyers.

Lapsang Souchong starts out as a finished black
tea, manufactured in the large tea producing
region of Wuyi Shan and surrounding area.  
From there it is shipped to the smoking sheds
located deep in the Wuyi mountains.   
Once there, the tea receives a hard, hot smoke, imbuing it with the desired amount of smokiness
requested by the buyer it will eventually go to.

The smoking shed is three levels high and open in the front, with the top and middle sections
comprised of loosely woven wood slats, allowing the smoke to rise from the ground level to the
top.  This open arrangement allows the smoke to circulate through all three floors, giving all
levels an even smoking.

The fully manufactured black tea is laid out on mats on the floors, where it begins to absorb the
first faint, slightly moist aroma of wood smoke.  
From that point, the more supple tea is moved downstairs to a different area, placed in baskets
and hung in the smoking chamber for as long as twelve hours.

Lapsang Souchong is only exposed to indirect wood smoke, never
placed in direct heat or flame.  Specially designed troughs in the floor,
direct and circulate the moist smoke into the smoking rooms from
large fireplaces located outside the building.  Once the smoking is
finished it's sent to be dried again in tumbler-dryers to "fix" the
finished tea.

When buying Lapsang Souchong teas, you'll find two styles; the heavy,
strong Taiwanese style, and the original lighter, more mild Fujian style.
You'll find that the lesser Lapsang Souchong teas will have a stronger,
almost burnt taste.  The better teas have a wonderful sweet, smoky
aroma, along with a milder, more subtle flavor of fruit and spice.  

In lesser quality teas this mild spice and fruit flavor is replaced by a strong meaty smell, such as
that of smoked bacon or meats, and the strong smell of tar.

Whichever you choose, be ready for a tea that makes a statement about what it is.  Enjoy.



For more information and to learn more about tea, visit our other
pages:

Learn the story behind the creation of this smoke infused, black tea.
Learn how a frightened village under siege, deep in the Wuyi Shan mountains of
China, accidentally created a new tea that's now enjoyed by millions worldwide.

Blooming Teas - a delightful feast for the senses
Watch as these special hand-wrapped teas transform into beautiful shapes right
before your eyes, and then enjoy drinking the freshly brewed tea.

A quick lesson on how teas are named and graded.
Are you confused by all the different names, letters, and symbols surrounding tea?  
We'll take the mystery out by giving you a quick lesson on what it all means, giving
you one more tool to use in learning all about this mystical plant.

Do you feel a cold or the flu coming on?  Quick read this!
It may be hard to believe, but by just drinking a few cups of tea each day, you're
boosting your immune system and warding off illness.  Learn how tea helps stop the
virus responsible for colds and flu, dead in its tracks.

How is black tea made?
Many people enjoy the full, robust flavor of black tea.  We'll walk you through the
manufacturing process step-by-step to show you what it takes to bring this quality
tea to your table.
Organic teas aren't just good for you, but Mother Earth, too.
Learn more about how organic teas are grown, and how to ensure the tea you're buying is certified
organic by the country it was grown in.

Flavored teas - everyone has a favorite.
Satisfy your favorite cravings with a healthy, low calorie cup of tea.  Whether it's berries, citrus, spice, or
of tea is just waiting for you.  (Or how does Silver Leaf Tea's Chocolate Mint, or Caramel Tea sound?).

Specialty and gourmet teas-a treat for the taste buds.
If you want to give your taste buds a unique treat, try one of the many specialty and gourmet teas
available.  With a range of flavors from smoky to sweet and everything in-between, you'll never be bored
by your beverage.

A cup of hot tea...just what you needed.
Nothing is more soothing, relaxing, or revitalizing than a cup of hot tea.  If you've had one of "those"
days and need to wind down, or just need a quick energy boost, check out these recipes for hot tea.

What secret ingredient is added when making puerh teas?
Puerh tea is considered to be a medicinal tea in China, and the secret to producing this healthy tea may
surprise you.

Oolong tea-nature and a careful manufacturing process make the difference.
Nature provides the perfect growing conditions, while a long, careful manufacturing process gives oolong
teas a wide spectrum of flavors, some light and sweet, and others robust and hearty. Find your favorite!

So, who is Earl Grey, anyway?
Earl Grey is probably the most recognizable of blended teas, but there are many other tasty blends (visit
Silver Leaf Tea) that make the perfect beginning or end to your day.
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