Lapsang Souchong Tea: Benefits & How to Make

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

If you drink lapsang souchong tea, you will experience many of the same health benefits that people have been enjoying for thousands of years.

What is Lapsang Souchong Tea?

Lapsang souchong tea is a particular type of tea cultivated in the Wuyi region of China, although now it is grown more widely than that. What makes the leaves of this tea special is that instead of drying them in a more traditional way, they are dried over a pinewood fire, giving the leaves a smoky flavor that makes the tea quite popular. This tea comes from the traditional Camellia sinensis plant, and therefore has the normal antioxidants and nutrients of that tea, but the preparation method and flavor is what sets it apart. [1]

This tea variety does contain caffeine, so it should be consumed in moderation, particularly by those who need to limit their intake of caffeine.

Lapsang Souchong Health Benefits

There are quite a few benefits to lapsang souchong tea, including its ability to protect cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and lower inflammation levels in the body. Much of this is done by the antioxidants in the tea, which include catechins, polyphenolic compounds, and other volatile acids that have such an impressive effect on the body. [2]

The caffeine present in this tea can also act as a metabolism booster that will enable you to lose weight more easily. While caffeine is known to exacerbate nervous system conditions, this tea is actually well known to soothe the nerves and lessen anxiety. [3]

Lapsang souchong tea in a cup with tea leaves in a traditional setting

Lapsang souchong tea or smoked tea Photo Credit: Shutterstock

How to Make Lapsang Souchong Tea?

If you wish to make your own lapsang souchong tea at home, you can source the leaves from many different places, although leaves directly from the Wuyi province are increasingly rare and expensive, due to demand.

Lapsang souchong tea in a cup with tea leaves in a traditional setting

How to Make Lapsang Souchong Tea: Easy Recipe

Lapsang Souchong Tea is a kind of Chinese black tea, which is also referred to as Smoked Tea because the tea leaves are smoke-dried over pinewood fires. The tea is known for its interesting smoky flavor.  But how do you make this Chinese beverage in the comforts of your home? Let's find out.
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Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Lapsang Souchong
Appliance: Stove
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Ishani Bose

Ingredients

  • 5 grams lapsang souchong powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp honey optional
  • milk optional

Instructions

  • To make Lapsang Souchong tea, first, add 5 grams of lapsang souchong powder to a teapot or tea infuser.
  • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and then immediately pour over the tea powder.
  • Allow the tea to steep for 3 minutes.
  • Strain the tea to prevent the flavor from becoming too bitter. Accordingly, add a tsp of honey and milk, as per your preference. Enjoy the hot cup of tea with family and friends.
    Lapsang souchong tea in a cup with tea leaves in a traditional setting

Notes

You can also keep a close watch on the temperature of the water. Remember that boiling water will give you a smokier, earthier and a harder, astringent-like tea, while cooler water will have a fruitier and milder flavor.

Lapsang Souchong Side Effects

As with any form of black tea, lapsang souchong contains caffeine, which can cause anxiety issues and sleeplessness if consumed in large quantities, along with gastrointestinal distress. If you are sensitive to caffeine, be sure to limit your intake of this tea to 2-3 cups per day. [4]

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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