Organic Lapsang Souchong: Smoked Black Tea from China

Discover Lapsang Souchong, a smoked black tea originating from China, renowned for its woody aroma and unique taste. Made from a rigorous selection of the finest organic quality leaves, our organic Lapsang Souchong reveals an infusion with a deep red color. Low in theine, it can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether you're a connoisseur or a novice.

100g zip pouch
Metal box 100g
1kg Loose Leaf Bag -10%

€9.90

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Preparation Instructions

Steeping time
3-5 min

Brewing temperature
100°C

Time of day
Morning & Day

Dosage
12-15g / L

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Origins and History of Lapsang Souchong

The legendary origins

Lapsang Souchong, also known as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (正山小種; pinyin: zhèngshān xiǎozhǒng), is a smoked black tea originating from the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the Fujian Province of southeastern China. Its unique recipe, likely dating back to the 18th century, differs from classic black teas. According to legend, villagers from a local village created this tea by drying the leaves over a wood fire to speed up the production process during an invasion.

From Fujian Province to Europe

The Lapsang Souchong has crossed ages and borders to become one of the most appreciated and sought-after quality teas in the world. Exported from Fujian province to Europe as early as the 17th century, this smoked Chinese black tea quickly conquered the palates of Western tea lovers, seduced by its unique taste and captivating aroma reminiscent of caramel. Even today, it remains an emblem of the richness of Chinese tea culture, prized by many countries.

Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, origin of Lapsang Souchong

How is Lapsang Souchong Made?

The pine wood smoking process

After oxidation, the tea leaves of Souchong, which are larger and more mature than those used for other teas, are dried over wood, rolled, then oxidized again before a final drying in bamboo baskets over a fire of spruce or cypress. This unique manufacturing process gives Lapsang Souchong its characteristic flavors and aroma, with subtle and captivating notes. Smoking with pine wood is a key step in the process, imparting its distinctive woody and smoky aromas, developed over time.

Leaf selection: Souchong vs other types of leaves

The Souchong is a tea produced from buds and first leaves harvested in spring. This rigorous selection, the result of a long tradition passed down for years, contributes to the high quality and unique character of this dark tea, distinguishing it from other black teas. The master craftsmen of Fujian in China perpetuate this ancestral art with passion, to offer tea lovers an exceptional product.

The Taste Characteristics of Lapsang Souchong

Woody and smoky notes

The black tea Lapsang Souchong offers a dark liquor, slightly bitter and woody. Its unique smoky taste reminds of wood fire smoke, with notes evoking pine and resin. These powerful and complex flavors make it an exceptional Chinese tea, appreciated by lovers of intense taste sensations. Its deep color and captivating aroma make it a favorite tea of many connoisseurs.

Comparison with other black teas

Unlike other Chinese teas with malty, chocolatey, or fruity notes, the smoked Lapsang Souchong stands out for its decidedly smoky and woody taste profile. Its assertive character makes it easily recognizable and sets it apart as a unique dark tea, unlike any other. If you appreciate intense and original flavors, Lapsang Souchong is for you. It's a bold and refined choice that will delight adventurous palates.

The Benefits of Lapsang Souchong

Antioxidants and digestion

Rich in polyphenols, smoked black tea is appreciated for its numerous virtues. Its regular and moderate consumption, in small doses, is said to have a positive effect on certain liver disorders and bad cholesterol, thus promoting the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This beverage originating from the province is also appreciated for its digestive properties, facilitating digestion after a hearty meal. It is a choice ally for salty meals and those rich in cheese.

Energizing effect and anti-inflammatory properties

Containing a moderate amount of theine, red tea has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and brain, similar to that of coffee, but milder. It is an ideal ally for regaining energy and boosting concentration throughout the day. Studies also suggest that the polyphenols present in this drink have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for overall health. It's a wise choice to accompany your daily life in a healthy and natural way.

Process of drying Lapsang Souchong tea leaves over wood fire

Why Does Lapsang Souchong Have a Smoky Taste?

The impact of pine wood smoking

The Lapsang Souchong crocodile gets its unique smoky taste from the traditional manufacturing process that involves drying tea leaves over a fire of spruce or cypress wood. The smoke from this wood gives the tea its subtle and captivating notes, which make it famous. This key smoking step is what gives the black tea its very special character. An ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation in Fujian province.

Differences between Lapsang Souchong and other smoked teas

While other smoked teas exist, such as Tarry Lapsang Souchong, Lapsang Souchong remains the most well-known and appreciated. Its pine wood smoking process gives it a unique flavor, softer and more subtle than other varieties smoked with coal or peat. Lapsang Souchong black tea offers an incomparable taste experience, making it the favorite tea of many connoisseurs around the world.

How to Prepare Lapsang Souchong Tea?

Perfect dosage and brewing

For a standard cup, use 3 grams of loose smoked tea leaves, about 1 heaping teaspoon. You can also opt for a ready-to-use tea bag for more convenience. The water should be heated to 100°C for optimal infusion. Pre-scald your accessories to fully release the smoky aromas. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, until the leaves are fully unfurled. Enjoy this powerful and fragrant brew plain, to better appreciate its unique flavor.

Gongfu method and other preparation techniques

Chinese tea enthusiasts particularly appreciate the Gongfu method for preparing this beverage. This traditional technique involves using a larger quantity of leaves for a short infusion, performed in a small Yixing clay teapot. You can also try brewing in a Gaiwan, or opt for a more contemporary preparation using an infuser or Western-style teapot. The key is to find the method that suits you best to fully enjoy your cup.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews

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Reviews subject to verification

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5★

9.2/10

Based on 16 review

Annie J.
Published on Aug 08, 2025 at 12:22 am (Order date: Jul 31, 2025)

5

Very practical and aesthetic (Translated review)
BETTI P.
Published on Jun 23, 2025 at 06:51 am (Order date: Jun 14, 2025)

5

An old acquaintance (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Mar 14, 2024 at 09:39 pm

4

Guess what I'm doing with it (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Feb 23, 2024 at 10:40 am

2

Tea much too smoky for my taste, the smokiness masks the whole taste of the tea. (Translated review)

Merchant's response
Hello Jean-François, We understand that you found its aromatic profile particularly pronounced. Lapsang Souchong is indeed a black tea famous for its smoking process, which gives it a unique, intensely smoky taste. This characteristic is typical of this type of tea.
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Jan 16, 2024 at 12:36 pm

5

I know the varieties I've ordered and I've seen their quality. (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Oct 30, 2023 at 10:51 pm

5

everything was perfect as usual (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Jun 10, 2022 at 06:55 pm

5

A real treat for smoked tea lovers! Very well-balanced, organic smoking, it's perfect. (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Oct 27, 2021 at 11:17 pm

5

Very satisfied (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Oct 27, 2021 at 09:52 pm

5

I love it! (Translated review)
Acheteur Vérifié
Published on Oct 27, 2021 at 08:59 pm

5

Very good, I prefer it for a savoury meal. (Translated review)