10 Feel-Good Lapsang Souchong Benefits
This post contains affiliate links, which means Luckee Tea may earn a commission if you purchase with these links. All opinions in reviews on Luckee Tea are our own and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Lapsang Souchong is a distinctive Chinese black tea from the Wuyi Mountains. Its unique smoky aroma, akin to a cozy fireplace, is a result of an ancient tradition of smoking tea leaves over pinewood fires.
This bold, robust tea is not just a uniquely flavored tea: it also contains numerous benefits.
Favored by many, including Winston Churchill, Lapsang Souchong offers a wealth of health benefits. It’s a treasure trove of antioxidants, aids in digestion, supports weight loss, boosts energy and immune system, and even improves cognitive abilities.
This blog will delve into these benefits, showcasing why this smoky tea is more than just a flavor experience—it’s a journey to wellness.
What Is Lapsang Souchong?
Lapsang Souchong is a type of Chinese black tea that originates from the Wuyi Mountains in the Fujian Province. It’s a very distinctive tea that’s known for its smoky aroma which sets it apart from other teas.
If you’re unfamiliar with Lapsang Souchong, it’s pronounced “laap·saang soo·shaang.”
The smoky aroma is produced through a unique preparation process. During this process, the tea leaves are smoke-dried over pinewood fires. Lapsang Souchong captures the essence of a cozy, crackling fireplace in a cup.
Lapsang Souchong’s bold, smoky aroma and deep, robust flavor make it more than just a tea—it’s an adventure in a cup.
Fun Fact: Winston Churchill’s favorite black tea is Lapsang Souchong due to its smoky flavor.
How Is Lapsang Souchong Made?
Lapsang Souchong is made first by plucking the tea leaves off of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Only the fourth and fifth leaves of the bud are deliberately used because they’re more mature. These leaves have a stronger structure and a more robust flavor profile. This makes them ideal for enduring the smoking process which makes Lapsong Souchong unique.
Once the leaves are plucked, they’re then withered in the sun or with hot air. Then, they are dried over pine wood fires. This drying process gives Lapsang Souchong its signature smoky flavor.
It’s a carefully controlled process that balances temperature and time to ensure each leaf is infused with just the right amount of smokiness. Afterward, they’re rolled and oxidized to deepen the flavor.
The final step is a drying process, locking in the bold, rich, and unmistakably smoky taste.
What Does Lapsang Souchong Tea Taste Like?
Lapsang Souchong tea has a bold, full-bodied, and smoky flavor, along with a hint of caramel-like sweetness. The aroma is the result of the tea leaves being dried over pinewood fires.
The taste is quite complex due to the process of drying the tea leaves over pinewood fires, which imparts a strong, smoky quality. Its unique smoky flavor is often compared to wood smoke and tobacco.
There’s an underlying earthiness to Lapsang Souchong, giving it a grounding quality. It can even be compared to the rich taste of whiskey or pine resin. This earthiness complements the smoky top notes, adding to the tea’s complexity and richness.
Is Lapsang Souchong Good For You?
Lapsang Souchong is not just popular for its distinctive flavor but also for its health benefits.
Like any other tea, Lapsang Souchong contains antioxidants, catechins, theaflavins, and polyphenols that promote overall well-being. One notable benefit of this tea is its anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of catechins.
Additionally, the tea’s high antioxidant content protects your cells against damage caused by free radicals.
10 Feel-Good Lapsang Souchong Benefits
Lapsang Souchong, a distinctively smoked black tea, offers a variety of health benefits. Here are the top 10 benefits:
1. Rich With Antioxidants
Like many black teas, Lapsang Souchong tea is packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids, theaflavins, and catechins, which help protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
These compounds are essential for maintaining a healthy body and reducing the risk of developing various chronic diseases. For example, theaflavins and thearubigins can reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol according to one study.
2. Improves Digestion
Drinking Lapsang Souchong can aid digestion, thanks to its natural compounds like polyphenols.
According to one study, polyphenols can promote good bacteria in the digestive system while reducing the growth of bad bacteria. This means that black tea can play a large overall in gut health and digestion.
3. Helps With Weight Loss
Lapsang Souchong can potentially support weight loss by promoting metabolism and decreasing fat absorption.
It contains polyphenols that help block the absorption of fat, which reduces the overall calorie intake. Additionally, this tea can boost fat burning due to a specific enzyme that breaks down fat cells.
4. Energy Boost
Lapsang Souchong contains a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a natural energy boost without causing jitters.
An eight-ounce serving contains 40-60 milligrams of caffeine which is much less than coffee. This energizing effect can help improve your focus, concentration, and overall productivity throughout the day.
5. Boosts Immune System
The antioxidants and vitamins in Lapsang Souchong tea help strengthen your immune system. They support the body’s natural defenses against infections, illnesses, and various diseases.
6. Anti-bacterial Properties
This tea has tannins and other natural compounds with potent antibacterial properties. These substances can help fight off harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of good bacteria, maintaining a healthy balance in your gut.
7. Improves Skin Quality
Thanks to its high antioxidant content, Lapsang Souchong is one of many teas that can benefit your skin by reducing inflammation, promoting collagen production, and fighting against free radicals that cause premature aging.
8. Improves Cognitive Ability
Combining caffeine and L-theanine in Lapsang Souchong can help enhance your cognitive abilities. It may improve your memory, focus, and overall mental performance.
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a more stable source of energy. Whereas coffee is known for a quick jolt of energy followed by a crash.
9. Helps Cardiovascular Health
Regularly drinking Lapsang Souchong may support heart health. Its antioxidants help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
According to one peer-reviewed study, every cup of black tea consumed daily leads to a 4% lower risk of death from heart disease, a 2% lower risk of heart attack, and a 4% lower risk of stroke.
Drinking Lapsang Souchong daily can be a simple way to enrich your body with antioxidants and potentially prevent any heart-related illnesses.
10. Improves Oral Health
Lapsang Souchong tea contains fluoride and other compounds that can help improve your oral health. Drinking this tea can strengthen tooth enamel, reduce the growth of plaque-causing bacteria, and prevent cavities, making it an excellent addition to your daily dental care routine.
Does Lapsang Souchong Tea Have Caffeine?
As you’ve learned so far, Lapsang Souchong is a form of black tea which contains caffeine. But, how much caffeine is there in this smoky tea?
Yes, Lapsang Souchong does contain caffeine, much like other black teas. In general, it contains 40 to 60 milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce serving.
Although it does contain caffeine, the caffeine levels are typically lower than other black teas. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might prefer this option for a more relaxing tea experience.
Here’s a quick breakdown of caffeine content in various teas:
| Tea Type | Caffeine Content (per 8 oz) |
|---|---|
| Black Tea | 40-70 mg |
| Lapsang Tea | 40-60 mg |
| Green Tea | 20-45 mg |
| White Tea | 15-30 mg |
| Oolong Tea | 30-40 mg |
In comparison, Lapsang Souchong contains less caffeine than delicate teas such as green and white tea. Since Lapsang Souchong is a black tea, it contains a moderate level of caffeine.
Lapsang Souchong Side Effects
While Lapsang Souchong is a delightful tea with many benefits, it’s important to be aware of some potential side effects.
As with most teas, Lapsang Souchong contains caffeine, which can lead to restlessness, insomnia, Increased heart rate, or digestive issues.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine then consider limiting your intake or opting for a caffeine-free alternative. To minimize these side effects, try to:
- Drink in moderation
- Opt for lower-caffeine teas
- Avoid drinking tea late in the day
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy Lapsang Souchong’s unique flavor without worrying about its potential side effects.
Can You Drink Lapsang Souchong Tea During Pregnancy?
It’s natural to wonder if lapsang souchong is safe during pregnancy.
Fortunately, Lapsang Souchong tea is generally considered safe for expectant mothers in moderation. However, keep in mind that lapsang souchong contains caffeine.
During pregnancy, it’s recommended to limit your daily caffeine intake to 200 mg or less. So, you can enjoy your lapsang souchong, but some lower caffeine teas such as white tea, green tea, or herbal tisanes may be better.
How To Brew Lapsang Souchong
Ingredients
- Lapsang Souchong tea leaves (1 to 2 teaspoons per cup)
- Fresh, filtered water
Instructions
- Heat Water: Bring the water to a near-boiling temperature, around 95°C (203°F). The high temperature is essential to extract the full range of flavors.
- Measure the Tea: Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of Lapsang Souchong tea leaves for each cup of tea you’re making. You can adjust based on personal taste preference.
- Steep the Tea: Place the tea leaves in a teapot or a tea infuser. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger and more pronounced the smoky flavor will be.
- Strain and Serve: After steeping, strain the tea leaves and pour the tea into a cup. If you’re using a tea infuser, simply remove it from the cup.
- Enjoy: Savor your Lapsang Souchong tea as is, or add a sweetener like honey or sugar if desired.
How Long To Steep Lapsang Souchong
To enjoy the full flavor of Lapsang Souchong, steep it for 3-5 minutes in hot water (around 90-95°C or 195-205°F). Keep in mind that steeping for too long may result in a bitter taste. Here’s a quick guide:
| Steep Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| 3 minutes | Mild, smoky |
| 4 minutes | Balanced |
| 5 minutes | Robust, strong |
Feel free to adjust the steeping time based on your taste preference.
Advice For A Lapsang Souchong First-Timer
If you’re new to Lapsang Souchong, you might be curious if it’s the right tea. The smoky aroma isn’t for everyone so you might feel afraid to try it. Don’t worry, high-quality Lapsang Souchong isn’t as “firey” as it smells.
If you’re hesitant about trying this tea then start with these simple tips:
- Begin with a milder steep: Steep for 3 minutes and gradually increase if you desire a stronger flavor.
- Pair it with food: Pair Lapsang Souchong with savory or sweet dishes to complement its bold, smoky taste.
- Add some milk: Adding a splash of milk or creamer to your tea can mellow the intense flavors, making it more enjoyable for first-timers.
As you become familiar with Lapsang Souchong, you’ll discover your preferred way to savor this unique tea.
Best Lapsang Souchong Tea Brands You Should Try
Here are three highly rated Lapsang Souchong tea brands. If you’re in the market to try this tea then you should check out the links below.
Harney & Sons Lapsang Souchong Tea
Harney & Sons Lapsang Souchong Tea uses large leaves dried over pine fires, resulting in a unique smoky flavor. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a different tea experience.
Harney & Sons Lapsang Souchong Tea
The packaging is a resealable bag to maintain freshness. Each bag contains 50 sachets, with each sachet providing enough tea for up to two cups. Harney & Sons is committed to environmental responsibility and is a proud member of 1% for The Planet.
Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong
Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong is known for its unique smoky taste. To enjoy it at its best, steep one tea bag in freshly boiled water for 4-5 minutes and serve without additives. The package contains 50 tea bags.
Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong
Taylors of Harrogate is Carbon Neutral Certified, a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, and the Rainforest Alliance Certificate. They’re truly dedicated to sustainability and ethical sourcing in their tea production.
Davidson’s Organics, Lapsang Souchong
Davidson’s Organics, Lapsang Souchong is a distinctively smoky Chinese black tea with a campfire aroma and coppery hue.
Davidson’s Organics, Lapsang Souchong
It’s bolder and smokier than Keemun and Russian Caravan teas, offering a unique pine hint. Davidson’s Organics is a third-generation organic tea grower that is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and free from harmful chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Lapsang Souchong is much more than a simple tea. Its unique smoky flavor, a result of the traditional pinewood fire drying process, offers a sensory experience unmatched by other teas.
Health-wise, the benefits of Lapsang Souchong are impressive. From its antioxidant properties to its ability to aid digestion, boost energy levels, and support cognitive functions, this tea is a potent ally in promoting overall well-being. It’s a perfect blend for those seeking both flavor adventure and health benefits in their daily cup.
Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or someone exploring the vast world of teas, Lapsang Souchong is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Lapsang Souchong contains numerous health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it may help with digestion and improve mental clarity.
The best time to drink Lapsang Souchong is during the day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to drink it earlier in the day, such as during breakfast or lunch, to avoid potential sleep disturbances.
Twinings discontinued their Lapsang Souchong due to a decline in demand. However, you can still find Lapsang Souchong from various tea brands, online retailers, and specialty tea shops that offer a wide range of unique blends and flavors.
Lapsang Souchong may have a mild diuretic effect due to its caffeine content. This could encourage the body to flush out more water through increased urination. If you’re sensitive to diuretic effects, take care to stay hydrated while enjoying your tea.
