Wild Lapsang Souchong (Unsmoked)

from $30.00

An incredible example of high quality hong cha (red tea, but what we call black tea in the west).

We are excited to share one of our all-time favorite black teas, Wild Lapsang Souchong ( Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) from the protected area of Tongmu Guan in Wuyishan, Fujian China. Since 2018, we've proudly brought this exceptional tea to our collection every year, offering you a taste of tradition. Sourced from the wild gardens of Tongmu Village, within the protected Wuyishan Nature Reserve, this exceptional tea offers a deliciously sweet floral cup with a bright aroma of honey, lychee, and peach. Unlike its smoked counterparts, this black tea (hong cha known as red tea in China but commonly referred to as black tea in the West) is processed carefully to preserve its natural essence, resulting in a vibrant leaf with a delightful aroma of fruit and honey.

Tasting notes: 

Lychee | Honey | Peach  

50 gram pouch | approx. 16 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

100 gram pouch | approx. 33 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

Origin: Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian Harvest: Spring 2024 Ingredients: Cultivated without chemicals black tea

Size:

An incredible example of high quality hong cha (red tea, but what we call black tea in the west).

We are excited to share one of our all-time favorite black teas, Wild Lapsang Souchong ( Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong) from the protected area of Tongmu Guan in Wuyishan, Fujian China. Since 2018, we've proudly brought this exceptional tea to our collection every year, offering you a taste of tradition. Sourced from the wild gardens of Tongmu Village, within the protected Wuyishan Nature Reserve, this exceptional tea offers a deliciously sweet floral cup with a bright aroma of honey, lychee, and peach. Unlike its smoked counterparts, this black tea (hong cha known as red tea in China but commonly referred to as black tea in the West) is processed carefully to preserve its natural essence, resulting in a vibrant leaf with a delightful aroma of fruit and honey.

Tasting notes: 

Lychee | Honey | Peach  

50 gram pouch | approx. 16 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

100 gram pouch | approx. 33 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

Origin: Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian Harvest: Spring 2024 Ingredients: Cultivated without chemicals black tea

  • Wild Unsmoked Lapsang Souchong
    This tea hails from the ecological preserve of Tongmu Village, where pesticides and chemicals are prohibited, maintaining the natural terroir. Hand-harvested from wild natural cultivars, it features a uniform appearance with two leaves and a bud. The tea is processed traditionally, without smoking, to preserve its natural essence. This method results in a vibrant, unsmoked leaf that captures the pure flavors of the region.

  • Black tea's journey begins in the 17th century in the small village of Tongmu, nestled within a steep mountain valley. During this time, the tea in the village was processed as green tea. The local villagers, relying heavily on tea and bamboo cultivation to survive the harsh winters, faced a significant challenge when a crafty general decided to surprise his enemy by sending his troops through the mountain path that ran directly through Tongmu Village.

    One spring, after the tea picking had been completed, soldiers trampled through the village, forcing the villagers to flee and hide in the mountains. The soldiers consumed the villagers' minimal food supply and slept on the freshly picked tea leaves, leaving them broken and heavily oxidized. Upon their return, the villagers found their tea leaves in a state of ruin. To salvage their crop, one villager suggested roasting the leaves over horsetail pine charcoal, a local tree, to mask the strong, over-oxidized smell. This innovative approach resulted in a tea with a distinctive smoky flavor.

    Hoping for the best, the villagers begged a local merchant to take their altered crop. To their astonishment, the tea garnered a positive response, and the following year brought not only a profit but also a request for more of this unique pine-roasted tea. Thus, Lapsang Souchong was born, marking the inception of black tea.

    Lapsang Souchong's fame quickly spread beyond its native region. By the late 17th century, Dutch merchants had introduced it to Europe. The tea became a favorite among the British royal family and soon sparked the "afternoon tea" tradition that continues to this day. During the Qing Dynasty, Lapsang Souchong's international popularity soared. Historical records from the period indicate that 85% of black tea exported from China was Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, known outside China as Bohea (pronounced boo-hee) tea or Lapsang Souchong. Despite imitations by farmers in other regions, the authentic Lapsang Souchong from Tongmu Village remained unparalleled in quality.

    Disclaimer: The account of troops passing through Tongmu Village and the subsequent accidental creation of Lapsang Souchong is a well-known legend in tea history. While it is widely accepted and repeated, specific historical evidence for this exact event is limited.

    • High in antioxidants, promoting overall health

    • Ecologically preserved, free from pesticides and chemicals

    • Sweet floral cup with bright aromas of honey, lychee, and peach

    • Enhances focus and fights fatigue

  • Preparation Method

    1. Western Preparation:

      • Use 3 grams of tea per 6-8oz of 200-205°F (91-96°C) using a teapot or infuser mug

      • Steep for 2-3 minutes

      • Good for multiple steeps

    1. Eastern Preparation (Gong Fu Cha):

      • Use 4 grams of tea per 100ml of water at 205°F (96°C) using a gaiwan or small teapot

      • Steep for 15-20 seconds

      • Increase steeping time by 5-10 seconds with each subsequent infusion

      • Enjoy multiple infusions to savor the evolving flavors