| Serendipity can be found in the worlds first black tea! One of many of our ingredients of antiquity. |
| At Tchai-Ovna, we have a rich history of crafting innovative tea recipes that pay homage to both tradition and creativity. Our beloved Yogi Yogi Chai has been a customer favorite for years, evolving into the beautifully balanced, spicy blend it is today. Building on that success, our tea artisans wanted to create something new—a recipe that captures the essence of Scotland. And so, Crofter’s Chai (Seaidh a’ Chroiteir) was born. Unlike our Yogi Chai, which features Assam black tea, Crofter’s uses smoked Lapsang Souchong, a tea with a deep, smoky flavor that evokes the peated whiskies of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, especially the Isle of Islay. We even added Scottish Gaelic to the packaging, celebrating the cultural connection. But who first dreamed up smoked tea? Lapsang Souchong isn’t just unique in flavor—it’s also said to be the first black tea ever produced! The Origins of Smoked Tea The story of Lapsang Souchong dates back to the Qing Dynasty in 17th-century China, in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province—an area famous for its oolong and green teas. According to legend, a passing army disrupted the local tea production by using tea leaves as bedding, leaving them unfit for traditional drying methods. To save the crop, tea producers decided to smoke the leaves over pine fires, creating the first batch of smoked tea. This accidental creation became a hit with Dutch traders, who appreciated its long shelf life on their voyages back to Europe. Soon, Lapsang Souchong was a favorite in both The Netherlands and Britain. Thanks to this serendipitous invention, black tea, and particularly smoked teas, became the drink of choice for many Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries. So, the next time you sip a warming cup of Crofter’s Chai, you’re experiencing centuries of tea history, all made possible by a little creative problem-solving and some unwashed soldiers! |
Whether you’re enjoying our Crofter’s Chai or any other black tea, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it. From ancient China to the windswept shores of Scotland, every cup holds a piece of history.
Crofter’s Chai – Seaidh a’ Chroiteir – https://tchaiovna.com/shop/product/crofters-chai-seaidh-a-chroiteir/