Posted by Jasmine

During the Qing Dynasty (which lasted from 1644 to 1911 in China), an army unit passed through the village of Xingcu and camped in the local tea factory. After the soldiers left, the factory workers realized that there was no way to get the tea leaves dried and delivered to the market on time. They built fires of pine wood and hung the leaves over the flames to hasten the drying. The tea did reach the market on time, and the new smoky flavor created a sensation. Thus Lapsang Souchong tea was born, or so the legend says.

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea originating from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, China. ‘Souchong’ literally means ‘sub variety’ in the Fukienese language. After being harvested, the leaves are withered over pine, cedar, or cypress fires. The leaves are then pan-fried, rolled out, and pressed into wooden barrels to ferment until they are fragrant. After fermentation, the leaves are placed in bamboo baskets and dried completely over pine fires. This intensive process results in a distinctive smoky flavor and aroma.

Hedonist has infused a milk chocolate ganache with all-natural Lapsang Souchong. After being cut into neat squares and enrobed in 72% dark chocolate, the truffles are topped with an almond and smoked black sea salt.

Lapsang Souchong truffles are available as part of Hedonist’s Spring Teas Collection.