organic earl grey smoked loose tea

Organic Lapsang Souchong Black Tea

A long time ago, in a land far, far away (China), a worker tending the drying of tea leaves was either not paying much attention or trying to speed things up (either works for the purposes of our story) and unintentionally "smoked" a batch of black tea being prepared for British traders. Much shame, losing of face, the tea was ruined.

For whatever reason, the tea traders tried some of this smokey tea - and LOVED IT! Much to the confusion of the Chinese tea growers, and to this day much to the consternation of most Chinese who refuse to take credit for what is generally considered in their country to be an abomination of good tea leaves.

This smokey black tea is bold and distinctive and seems to universally inspire either a "love it" or "hate it" reaction. Winston Churchill loved it and was known to tip a little bit of Scotch into the cup. Lapsang Souchong has been a distinct favorite in England, Europe and America for generations of tea drinkers. Great as a morning breakfast tea or an adventurous afternoon tea.

There is a variation of this tea called Tarry Souchong which is a version of Lapsang Souchong produced in Taiwan over a century ago originally as a substitute tea when there was a trade embargo banning the shipping of Chinese tea to England.

How to Prepare Lapsang Souchong Black Tea

Heat water (filtered if possible) to boiling 212˚F, let it cool slightly to around 200˚F and add one teaspoon loose leaf tea per cup (apprx. 8 ounces). Infuse the loose tea for 4–5 minutes depending on taste preference. Try plain before considering adding any milk or sugar (or Scotch).

INGREDIENTS: Pine smoked organic black tea. Origin: China.

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