Details:

Lapsang Souchong Tea, is one of a variety of black tea hailing its
origin from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujiyan Province, China. It is also referred
to as a smoked tea because of its rich, smoky flavor and aroma. The hand-picked
dark twisted leaves are used for producing this smoked tea and are generally smoke-dried
over pinewood fires that add a distinctive smoky flavor to it. The large leaves
are plucked and moderately processed in the neighboring area, and then
transported to the sheds to be smoked over the fire for a final drying. The leaves
are then roasted in a bamboo basket called as a honglong, which is heated over
burning firewood which provides the dried longan aroma and smoky flavor to this
tea. It
is believed to be the first black tea in history of the world. It is
distinct in relation to other teas due to its strong, sweet, smoky flavor and
aroma.

"Souchong" refers to the fourth and fifth leaves
of the tea plant, farther away from the highly prized bud (pekoe) of the tea
plant. These leaves are coarser than the leaves which are closer to the bud,
and have lesser aromatic compounds. Smoking provides a more unique smoky flavor
and aroma to this tea. Lapsang souchong's flavors comprise dried longan, pine
smoke, and whiskey.

Origin:

Lapsang Souchong is popularly known in China as Zheng Shan
Xiao Zhong and has a unique origin myth and is believed to have been created by
accident. It is said to have originated during the Dao Guang era of the Qing
Dynasty, when an army unit passed through their village and decided to set up a
camp at a tea factory which is filled with unprocessed tea leaves. When the
passage of armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves in the Wuyi
Mountain, the tea producers in their eagerness to satisfy demand, sped up the
drying process by having their workers dry the tea leaves over fires made from
local pines. Later on, when Dutch traders came to buy tea as they had been
doing for many years, the villagers offered them this "special" tea
that impressed the Dutch and they returned to buy more, even at a higher price.

How it works:

Lapsang souchong's has a coveted strong and smoky aroma and
flavor. It creates a cool and calm feeling. Sweet, refreshing, fruity and smoky
flavor of Lapsang Souchong Tea brings back life to the cup. Variation occurs in
the strength of the flavor of the tea and the intensity of the smokiness. Less
smoky varieties are also available for those who favor only a little smoke
flavoring. This tea gives you a smoky, rich and fruity zest. It synthesizes
well with salty and spicy dishes, as well as with cheese.

Benefits:

Lapsang Souchong emanates from the plant called Camellia
Sinensis which is a good source of anti-oxidants and flavonoids that helps you
overcome hangovers.

It helps in increasing blood flow while
reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream. As it consists of
natural antioxidants, it keeps cholesterol from oxidizing and sticking to blood
vessel walls, leading to a healthier cardiovascular system.

The combination of various vitamins, polyphenols found in
black tea can help in reducing the chances of getting cancer.

It strengthens immunity, provides protection from viruses
that lead to colds, flu or other diseases. It also helps in fighting against
various types of inflammations.