The quality of Lapsang souchong or Zhengshan xiaozhong black tea can be identified from the following aspects:
Origin: Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea must be produced in the Tongmuguan area of Wuyi Mountain. The geographical environment here gives it unique quality. Only tea leaves that really come from Tongmuguan can be called authentic Zhengshan Xiaozhong.
Appearance: High-quality Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea has a firm strip shape, dark color, and a layer of golden hair on the surface, which is a symbol of the tenderness of the tea leaves. The dry tea has a natural aroma, both fruity and floral.
Tea soup color: The lapsang souchong black tea soup after brewing is golden, clear and bright, like amber. High-quality tea soup is bright and shiny.
Aroma: High-quality lapsang souchong black tea has a long-lasting aroma, with a pine smoke aroma, and is not pungent. Poor-quality tea leaves have a pungent aroma that makes people uncomfortable.
Taste: High-quality Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea has a mellow taste, sweet and smooth. The tea soup first feels mellow, followed by a subtle sweetness, and a distinct throat rhyme. Poor-quality tea has a thin taste and a sweet and greasy taste.
Leaf base: High-quality tea leaves have a uniform and active base, soft and elastic leaves, and a bright red color. Such a base indicates that the tea leaves are well protected during the production process.
Misunderstandings to avoid:
Price misunderstanding: Price is not the only criterion for measuring quality. Some high-priced teas may be inflated due to brand effects or market hype, and are not truly high-quality teas.
Origin misunderstanding: Not all teas labeled as lapsang souchong are produced in Tongmuguan. Pay special attention to whether the origin is authentic.
