cha sourcing's blog : Discovering the Rich Flavours of Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong Teas
Introduction to Chinese Teas
China, with its vast landscapes and diverse climates, offers a rich tapestry of teas, each telling its own story of flavour, tradition, and history. Among these, Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong teas stand out for their distinctive tastes and storied pasts. Originating from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, these teas offer connoisseurs a taste of China's rich tea heritage.
Lapsang Souchong: The Original Smoked Tea
Lapsang Souchong, known as the first black tea in the world, is famous for its unique smoky flavour. The process of making Lapsang Souchong involves withering the tea leaves over burning pine wood, which infuses them with a deep, smoky aroma. This smoking process is believed to have been discovered during the Qing dynasty when the passage of armies delayed the annual drying of the tea leaves. The tea makers hastened the drying process by smoking the leaves over open fires made from local pines, resulting in a robust and invigorating flavour.
The tea itself presents a rich amber colour when brewed. It offers an intensely smoky fragrance that can be an acquired taste. The flavour is robust, with hints of pine resin, and a slightly sweet, spicy undertone. It is a bold tea, often enjoyed during the cold months or as a morning brew to awaken the senses.
Jin Jun Mei: A Luxurious Golden Black Tea
Jin Jun Mei Tea, which translates to "Golden Beautiful Eyebrow," is made from the buds and the top two leaves of the tea plant. It is harvested early in the spring, capturing the freshest and most tender leaves. Jin Jun Mei is produced in the Tongmu Village of Fujian Province, the same region that gave birth to Lapsang Souchong, yet it offers a completely different profile.
This tea is known for its beautiful, tightly curled leaves, which unfurl gracefully when brewed. The colour is a stunning golden amber, and the aroma is rich and complex. Unlike its smoky cousin, Jin Jun Mei has a naturally sweet and fruity flavour, with subtle undertones of flowers, chocolate, and malt. The tea is highly prized for its depth of flavour and the skill required to produce such a delicate yet complex tea.
Brewing the Perfect Cup
To fully appreciate Lapsang Souchong and Jin Jun Mei, proper brewing is essential. For Lapsang Souchong, boiling water is recommended to extract the full range of smoky flavours. A steeping time of about 3 to 5 minutes is ideal, and the tea can be enjoyed on its own or with a splash of milk to soften the smoky intensity.
Jin Jun Mei requires a gentler approach. Water just off the boil (around 90°C) is perfect, and the tea should be steeped for 2 to 3 minutes. This lighter brewing method preserves the delicate floral and fruity notes that Jin Jun Mei is celebrated for.
Cultural Significance
Both teas hold significant places in Chinese tea culture. Lapsang Souchong is often seen as a reflection of the rugged landscapes and the resilient spirit of the people of Fujian Province. It is a tea that tells a story of innovation born from necessity, a theme that resonates throughout Chinese history.
Jin Jun Mei, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of tea craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the sophistication of Chinese tea culture and the premium on flavour and quality. It is often gifted as a sign of respect and admiration, symbolising the high regard for those who receive it.
Conclusion
Jin Jun Mei and Lapsang Souchong teas offer tea lovers around the world a taste of China's diverse and rich tea culture. Whether you prefer the bold smokiness of Lapsang Souchong or the refined sweetness of Jin Jun Mei, each sip offers a moment of contemplation of the art and history that goes into each leaf. Exploring these teas is not just about tasting something new; it’s about experiencing a vital part of Chinese cultural heritage.
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