Lapsang sushong tea belongs to red teas and is considered one of their most famous types, which are in great demand among buyers. Its ancestor is another Chinese tea, which was made by smoking on pine branches, giving a rich resinous aroma.
The legend of the origin of tea
The advent of the manufacturing technology of smoked Lapsang Sushong tea is associated with a wide variety of legends. According to one of them, tea when it was transported to England began to deteriorate from the marine climate and acquired its characteristic aftertaste.
According to another legend, tea makers simply didnβt have time to make tea for customers in time and to speed up drying, they used cured fire on pine fire.
Production technology
Lapsang sushong tea is made from succulent, large and fairly coarse tea leaves. Before fermentation, they are initially dried and dried in the sun. Then the leaves are twisted and poured into baskets. Tea baskets are placed around the campfire or suspended above it. For 8 hours, the leaves warm up and acquire a reddish-brown hue.
Smoking is carried out on:
- pine wood;
- roots of Chinese spruce;
- pine needles.
The whole process of smoking tea remains a mystery, but manufacturers say that there are two different ways of making this variety. The first implies that a 3-story hut is used for production, in the basement of which a hearth is planted. On the second floor there are branches of spruce and pine, and on the third - tea, which is fumigated with smoke. This allows you to achieve a more perfect taste and aroma.
The second manufacturing method is simpler. It implies that slightly dried and dried leaves are fried several times over a bonfire of spruce and pine branches.
Taste and Aroma
Lapsang sushong tea has a rather unusual aroma of smoked wood and pine resin, but some people smell aroma of caramel, pear and even ginger. If you try this tea for the first time, you may not like it right away. Its taste is quite sharp and saturated, it even seems that it smells of smoked fish. However, gradually, as the taste unfolds, you can catch the unique taste and aroma.
When brewed, it has a rich burgundy hue, because it belongs to red varieties. Lapsang sushong is very popular with people who smoke, because it resembles cigarette smoke with its unusual smoked smell.
Useful qualities
The beneficial properties of Lapsang Souchong make it a miracle cure in the fight against many diseases. The composition of this tea includes many vitamins and amino acids, which are of great value to the human body. Among the beneficial properties of lapsang sushong tea, the following can be distinguished:
- helps to eliminate toxins and toxins;
- helps to heal the body;
- normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
- increases efficiency;
- interferes with fat formation;
- strengthens gums and teeth;
- boosts immunity.
In addition, it is an excellent tool that helps to quickly warm up after a long stay in the cold, and tea also has relaxing qualities.
Contraindications
Basically, lapsang sushong tea does not cause any adverse reactions of the body, so you can consume it for almost everyone. However, it is worth noting that in some cases minor allergic reactions can be observed. This happens very rarely, mainly in the presence of individual intolerance.
It is not recommended to drink more than 5 cups of tea per day, especially for people with gastritis, as caffeine can increase acidity. In addition, lapsang sushong is contraindicated in drinking during pregnancy.
How to brew and drink?
Lapsang sushong is traditionally brewed in a special clay teapot. Do not put too much tea, as it is very strong. For 100 g of hot water you need to take 1 tsp. tea leaves. The first infusion needs to be poured to wash away all the dirt and dust formed during the production of tea and its transportation. The first flush is washed cups, teapot, as well as figures of deities. When brewing it for the second time, the whole taste and aroma of an amazing drink is revealed. This tea can be brewed up to 6 times.
You should not add sugar to it, to improve the taste you can just put a slice of lemon. The drink is infused for 10 minutes. Chinese traditions recommend inhaling the aroma of this drink before tea.
It is best to consume this variety of tea in the cold autumn and winter, as well as after prolonged physical exertion.
What to drink tea with?
The appetizer for this tea is quite spicy. Best suited basturma, unsweetened meat pies, spicy cheese. Sweet buns and cakes are totally unsuitable. However, traditionally in China they only drink tea, without any snack. Locals enjoy a slightly sweet taste with original astringency and smoky aroma.
How to store it properly?
It is recommended to store this tea in a linen bag, since it thus completely retains its unique flavor. The bag should be placed in a tin box and put in a dark place. Lapsang sushong quickly absorbs odors, which is why it must be stored away from other products. Tea can be stored for no more than 2 years.
Cost and fakes
The price of lapsang sushong tea in Russia is approximately 230 rubles per 50 grams. This is a rather expensive product, which is why it is important to know how to distinguish quality tea from fakes.
Unscrupulous manufacturers that produce fakes do not always use high-quality Chinese tea as raw materials, and various flavors are used to produce aroma. Naturally, the taste of such fake tea is very different from the real one, which is why you need to purchase a quality product only from reliable, trusted sellers.
It is worth noting that lapsang sushong can be very different, but the natural flavor and chemical flavors are very different. This drink is rarely liked by anyone the first time, but it is a favorite kind of tea from Winston Churchill and the entire English parliament.
Reviews
Reviews of Lapsang Sushong tea are rather ambiguous, however, many people like its unusual taste and aroma, which is gradually revealed with each cup of this amazing drink. Many note that it helps to warm up in the cold season. Tea is quite interesting and original. Another positive quality is that this amazing drink has good medicinal qualities and helps get rid of various diseases.