What is smoked tea?
The defining characteristic of smoked tea lies in the fact that the tea leaves are heated over coniferous wood (often spruce branches) after being harvested. This allows the leaves to dry more quickly than in the open air and under the sun. Above all, it influences the taste, imparting a wonderful distinctiveness.
THE MOST UNIQUE OF BLACK TEAS
Like all black teas, smoked tea undergoes full oxidation. After harvesting, the tea leaves are left in the open air in a humid environment, which causes them to darken. Oxidation corresponds to the breakdown of chlorophyll, responsible for the green colour in plants. The distinctiveness of smoked tea lies in the next step of its production. After being dried and rolled, it is placed in baskets, generally made of bamboo, which are set over a wood fire following ancestral methods. It is this second drying process that gently infuses it with smoke vapours and gives it its unique flavour.
THE EXTRAVAGANT HISTORY OF SMOKED TEA
There are several legends surrounding the origins of this tea. The first suggests that a tea factory was occupied by the army, and upon their departure, the planter wanted to dry the tea leaves over a wood fire to avoid losing them. The leaves had supposedly oxidised too much and spoiled by being left in the open air for too long. The tea leaves absorbed the smoke: smoked tea was born! The second legend echoes the first, with the same urgency to dry the tea. It tells that Chinese tea producers, running late on delivery deadlines to England, decided to save time by drying the tea leaves over a spruce fire. The British loved this unique-tasting tea and asked for more!
WHAT DOES SMOKED TEA TASTE LIKE?
Its taste is very different from other black teas. Depending on the tea varieties and their manufacturing process, the smoky flavour will be more or less pronounced. Some will have earthy or woody notes, reminiscent of mushrooms, barbecue, or even whisky (it is very subjective, depending on your palate!). In short, a distinctive flavour that may not appeal to everyone, but will remind others of woodland walks!
WHY ARE CERTAIN SMOKED TEAS CONTROVERSIAL?
Certain smoked teas, such as Lapsang Souchong, have caused controversy. The reason: the smoking process, which releases particles through wood combustion that could be harmful to health and potentially carcinogenic (much like grilled food!). This is why the only smoked tea offering from Kusmi Tea is very lightly smoked and complies with the new European regulations. Several studies have indeed shown that the harmful particles released during smoking are not found in the tea once brewed.
BEWARE OF COUNTERFEITS!
Another pitfall to watch out for is counterfeits, made from poor-quality black tea sprayed with artificial smoke flavouring. To avoid them, choose reputable tea houses, like Kusmi Tea, which exclusively sells organic teas and herbal infusions. What's more, it is in France, in Normandy, that the brand (which became French in 2003) designs, blends, flavours, and packages the tea. A truly reliable choice!
Everything you need to know before tasting it
Looking to discover or introduce those around you to smoked tea? Here are our tips on how to choose it, brew it successfully, and even use it in cooking to enhance your favourite dishes. How did you ever manage without it?
HOW TO BREW SMOKED TEA?
The preparation is similar to that of a classic black tea. Simply bring water to a simmer at 80–90°C before infusing for 3 to 4 minutes. For more precision, as this also varies depending on the tea varieties, the simplest approach is to follow the brewing temperature and time indicated on the tin. Smoked teas can be enjoyed plain or very lightly sweetened. You wouldn't want sugar to mask its delicately smoky taste too much. That would be a pity...
WHICH TEAPOT SHOULD YOU USE FOR SMOKED TEA?
If you drink several types of tea (green tea, white tea, classic black tea, etc.), you will need to opt for a "memory-free" teapot, which is the case for the vast majority of them (glass, cast iron, ceramic, etc.). Only unglazed terracotta teapots are "memory teapots", meaning they retain aromas from one infusion to the next. They are not recommended for smoked tea, as the smoky flavour could linger on the teapot walls due to the tannins and alter the flavour of a green or white tea. For more information, feel free to consult our teapot guide.
WHEN SHOULD YOU ENJOY SMOKED TEA?
It can be savoured all day long. Smoked tea is particularly enjoyed at breakfast, especially if you already love the toasted flavour of Japanese Genmaicha tea. We also recommend it to accompany a sweet-and-savoury brunch, combining its incredible smoky taste with a wide palette of flavours. Some may prefer to drink it in the afternoon at tea time (a reminder that the British are particularly fond of it!). Finally, note that smoked tea can also be used in cooking when preparing various dishes.
SMOKED TEA, AN UNUSUAL INGREDIENT FOR COOKING
Several recipes use it to add a quick and easy smoky touch, without having to fire up the barbecue! Here are a few mouth-watering suggestions: smoked tea lentil salad, smoked tea butternut squash soup, smoked tea salmon gravlax, guinea fowl with kumquats and smoked tea, smoked tea apple crumble, or smoked tea rice pudding. Everything you need to create a complete meal themed around smoked tea. If you're going for originality, you might as well go all out!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SMOKED TEA?
Whether smoked or not, black tea contains—like all other teas—antioxidants recognised for their health benefits. Granted, in smaller proportions than green tea, which is the most antioxidant-rich tea. However, black tea is packed with its own unique antioxidants: theaflavins and thearubigins. These molecules are believed to play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting digestion.
Did you know that antioxidants help fight against free radicals and the development of certain diseases? They really do! So go pour yourself a cup of smoked black tea to enjoy all these benefits.
One of the many virtues of smoked tea is also its caffeine/theine content, making it a great morning ally to give you a boost to kick-start your day. It thus makes a great alternative to coffee.
WHICH SMOKED TEA DOES KUSMI TEA OFFER?
It is a blend of black teas and lightly smoked tea. The promise? A base of round-flavoured black teas, enhanced with smoked Tarry Souchong tea leaves releasing their subtly woody notes. This novel pairing is rich in contrast. Indeed, this tea blend combines the intense and the delicate, the traditional and the unusual, the classic and the highly aromatic. A whole experience in itself!
Did you know that our plain black teas are certified organic? This guarantees a pesticide-free, high-quality tea thanks to strict controls throughout blending and production.