How Did the Coffee Tree Origin Story Shape Earl Grey Tea?
Tongmuguan Lapsang Souchong comes from seed-grown Qi Zhong tea plants in Wuyishan, Fujian, where wild tea has grown since ancient times. These plants have deep taproots that draw minerals from the soil, giving the tea a full-bodied aftertaste. Locals consider Qi Zhong an important raw material for premium Lapsang Souchong, and the article traces how this tea inspired Earl Grey.
In 1662, King Charles II married Catherine of Portugal, who brought her favorite Lapsang Souchong from her home country, which is regarded as the start of the British black tea craze. A blend recipe based on Lapsang Souchong follows, and one tea garden sits at 1,200 meters with trees over 100 years old. As a coffee origin country comparison, the piece stays focused on tea.
This article centers on Tongmuguan Lapsang Souchong, introducing the terroir and natural farming cultivation characteristics of its top-tier Qi Zhong tea, and recounting the historical story of how Lapsang Souchong sparked the British black tea craze and inspired the creation of Earl Grey tea. The article also includes an Earl Grey black tea blend recipe based on Lapsang Souchong, and retains Front Street-related product recommendation information, making it suitable for caffeine enthusiasts interested in black tea culture and blending.
Lapsang Souchong made from naturally cultivated seed-grown tea plants in Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, belongs to the highest grade in this category, featuring fruity aromas of peach, mango, and more, with a distinctive character.
Wild native Qi Zhong grown in Tongmuguan since ancient times In the Tongmuguan area of Xingcun Town, Wuyishan, wild seed-grown tea plants have existed since ancient times, which locals call Qi Zhong. Seed-grown means tea propagated from seeds, known in Japan as native variety. Tea plants grown from seeds have straight taproots that extend deep underground like burdock, making it easier to absorb minerals, resulting in a full-bodied aftertaste and long-lasting finish in the finished tea. The local Qi Zhong of Tongmuguan has prominent aroma and a unique style, regarded locally as an important raw material for making premium Lapsang Souchong.
We purchase our tea directly from tea farmers who are also producers with tea gardens in Tongmuguan. The Lapsang Souchong Qi Zhong we purchase comes from a tea garden at an altitude of 1,200 meters, with tea trees over 100 years old. The entire village of Tongmuguan practices natural farming, and this tea garden uses neither pesticides nor chemical fertilizers. As a result, the tea trees grow slowly, with a full-bodied flavor and a long-lasting finish. In addition, Xiao Chi Gan is also made from Qi Zhong, sourced from tea gardens at an altitude of 900 to 1,000 meters.
Lapsang Souchong is the origin of Earl Grey tea As the world's earliest black tea, Lapsang Souchong is widely known among black tea enthusiasts.
In 1662, King Charles II of England married Princess Catherine of Portugal, who brought her favorite Lapsang Souchong from her home country, which is regarded as the beginning of the British black tea craze.
There are many interesting anecdotes surrounding Lapsang Souchong. For example, did you know that the famous Earl Grey tea was actually inspired by Lapsang Souchong? The British who tasted Lapsang Souchong were moved by its sweet, fruity aroma, and imitating this fragrance, they developed Earl Grey tea with bergamot flavor.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
