Description
Variety of smoked black tea
Technical
Lapsang souchong or Zhengshan xiaozhong is a black tea consisting of Camellia sinensis leaves that are smoke-dried over a pinewood fire. This smoking is accomplished either as a cold smoke of the raw leaves as they are processed or as a hot smoke of previously processed leaves. The intensity of the smoke aroma can be varied by locating the leaves closer to or farther from the source of heat and smoke or by adjusting the duration of the process.
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
smokypineyresinouscampfire-likeleathery
Wine Analogy
Similar to the smoky character of some Syrah wines aged in toasted oak barrels
Coffee Analogy
Reminiscent of Sumatra Mandheling coffee's earthy smokiness
Perfume Analogy
Comparable to the birch tar note in leather fragrances
Culinary Applications
Russian Caravan Tea BlendRussiaProvides the distinctive smoky backbone
Smoky Tea EggsChinaImparts campfire aroma to hard-boiled eggs
Lapsang Souchong ChocolateFranceAdds phenolic complexity to dark chocolate
Dietary
VeganVegetarianHalalKosherNone known