Lapsang Souchong Smoked Black Tea

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea by nature and comes in three forms; black tea leaves, black tea bags and black tea powder. Originating from the Wuyi region of Chinese the leaves of the tea plant is harvested and then smoke-dried over open pine wood fires. The process gives the tea a smoky flavor; hence the name "smoked tea." The tea has very unique scent, reminding a smoked bacon, therefore not everybody likes it at the first moment, sometimes not even the second. However, there is a large group of Lapsang devotees, who consider it the best black tea of all.

The Lapsang Souchong tea goes through the following process

• Harvesting - In the second week of May is the harvesting process begins and the mature leaves from the plants are picked.
• The leaves are then placed in bamboo trays over pine, oak or cypress wood fire.
• They are pan-fried, rolled and put in wooden barrels to activate the oxidation process which produces a sweet fragrance and color.
• Finally, they are then placed over pine, oak, or cypress smoke to complete the drying process. This final process gives the tea a distinctive flavor and color.

Similar to all teas, the Lapsang Souchong tea is said to offer health benefits such as:

• Promoting healthy weight loss-the combination of the antioxidant properties with the caffeine content will act as a boost to your metabolism. The caffeine also helps to burn fats quickly and helps muscle building too; it acts as a constant energizer throughout the day.
• Fighting cancer cells- the combination of polyphenols, vitamins and catechins will help to stop free radicals from destroying your DNA and reduce the growth of cancer cells.
• Heart - it protects your heart because it lowers your blood pressure and sustains your sugar levels.
• Substitute for Coffee - it can be used as an alternative for caffeine. Rather than drinking strong coffee which has a higher caffeine level to stay awake, you can brew a cup of Lapsang Souchong tea. Although the caffeine content is low, it is enough to energize and keep you alert throughout the day.

Making your own Lapsang Souchong tea will most likely be the best black tea you have ever had. The blend of taste, the aroma and the health benefits attributed to this tea will definitely make this tea one which you will crave to have.

For those of you, who love legends, there is an interesting story behind the origin of the Lapsang Tea.

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