Processing
Drying tea over pinewood fires to give it a campfire aroma — the trademark of Lapsang Souchong.
Smoking was invented by accident in 17th-century Wuyi when soldiers requisitioned the drying sheds and farmers had to dry tea quickly over pine. The result became one of the world's most distinctive teas — and the parent of every black tea on Earth.
From the Journal
We travel to the first-flush gardens of West Bengal to meet the hands behind the world's most delicate black tea.
by Sameera
Until 1869, Sri Lanka grew coffee. A fungal blight killed every plant on the island. The British replanted with tea — and one of the world's great tea regions was born.
by Sameera
The largest tea-growing region in the world produces 700 million kilos a year. Inside the Indian floodplain that fills your morning mug.
by Sameera
Kenya is the world's largest exporter of black tea — and almost no one outside the trade can name a single Kenyan estate. A look at tea's most under-recognised power.
by Sameera
The Tea List dispatch
Slow reading for slow drinkers. No spam, unsubscribe in a single click.
