Origins of Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags
Lapsang Souchong originated in the Qing dynasty in China and hence has a storied history. Reports suggest that during the First Opium War of 1839, troops stationed near Wuyi Mountain would on occasion make use of tea factories for shelter.
This practical exploitation of tea factories protected the troops but also greatly influenced the subsequent methods of manufacturing smokey lapsang tea in a most unintentional way.
To ensure that they sustained high production levels, labourers had to resort to quick drying over smokey pinewood flames instead of letting the leaves stay out in the sun to oxidise as a natural process. This quick drying over smokey pinewood flames resulted in the tea’s distinctive smoky flavour. This smoke was very acceptable to the soldiers and was soon a trend all too familiar.
As it gained popularity, it was gradually undergoing transition from that simple drink. By the end of the nineteenth century, the tea was exported to the west. Where smokey tea and tea with a strong taste was well received and made its way into the tea scene of the world.
Even in the present scenario, it holds its ground as one of the popular assortments among everyday drinkers and tea connoisseurs for its high and daring taste embraced in numerous escape and change tales.