What is Zheng Shan (Lapsang Souchong)?

Rumoured to be the first black tea ever created, Zheng Shan is also known as Lapsang Souchong (pronounced lap-song shway-shong) and Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (pronounced jen shan). It is one of the most popular teas in China, and for good reason. This black tea has a wonderful smokey taste and has an array of health benefits.

What is The First Black Tea Ever Created?

Lapsong Souchong Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong.

At the time of black tea’s creation, green tea and oolong tea were the only tea varieties produced in China. Chinese legend has it that solders travelling through Wuyi mountain valley stopped to rest at a tea farmer’s house and spent the night sleeping on tea leaves that were drying outside.

The tea farmer, not wanting to cause trouble, hid in his house and therefore was unable to tend his tea. When the soldiers left the next morning, the tea had completely oxidised, turned black and was considered at that point ruined.

Trying to make something out of it, the tea farmer rolled and then fried the tea over pine. Pine was used because there was an abundance of it in their village and is what gives Zheng Shan its signature aromas, flavours and smokiness.

How Do You Pronounce Zheng Shan (Lapsang Souchong)?

Zheng Shan is pronounced [JEN] + [SHAN]

Lapsang Souchong is pronounced [LAP] + [SONG] + [SHWAY] + [SHONG]

What Does Zheng Shan Taste Like?

Zheng Shan black tea is a unique tea variety with woody, chocolate and nutty notes. It has been smoked to augment the elegant black tea flavour and provide a slightly toasty aroma.

What Are The Health Benefits of Zheng Shan?

In Chinese culture this tea is believed to relieve stomach ulcers, lower the risk of heart disease, aid digestion, boost the immune system, reduce tooth decay and increase metabolism.

How to Brew Zheng Shan

Water temperature: 90-100 degrees

Amount: 2g per 250 mL water

Steeping time: 3-5 minutes

Approx. refills: 2-3 times

Serving suggestion: drink hot.

Recipes Using Zheng Shan

Use it in a spice blend for a meat rub. Crush with paprika, red pepper, black pepper & garlic salt.
Add its concentrated liquor to sauces & marinades to enhance their flavour and give them a smokey taste.