Also known as smoked tea, lapsang souchong is one of the oldest black teas in the world. Grown in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian province, China, the tea is still prepared using manual techniques that have been passed down across generations.

The smoky flavor is achieved through a unique process. First, the leaves are dried over cypress or pine wood fires. Then they're placed in barrels to intensify the smoky aroma.

Finally, the leaves are moved into flat wicker baskets, which are placed on bamboo trays over a pine wood fire. There the leaves dry even further and soak up even more aroma. The result are thick black leaves that produce a distinctive smoky taste.

• Flavor profile: Smoky and rich
• Caffeine content: High
• Sold by the ounce

What's black tea?

Black tea is the most oxidized of all the teas. In oxidation tea leaves are exposed to the air to dry and darken. The more oxidized a tea is, the stronger it is. From strongest to lightest are black, oolong, green, and white teas.

Health benefits of black tea include:

• Antioxidants
• Possible anti-cancer effects
• Heart health
• Improved metabolism
• Gut health

Please note all black teas contain caffeine and should be consumed in moderation.