The spelling of the word "Souchong" can be a bit confusing due to its unusual combination of letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈsuːtʃɒŋ/. The "ou" combination is pronounced as /uː/, similar to "oo" in "food". The "ch" is pronounced as /tʃ/, like "ch" in "cheese". The final "ong" is pronounced as /ɒŋ/, similar to the "ong" in "song". Therefore, "Souchong" is pronounced as "soo-chong" and is a type of tea that originated in China.
Souchong is a noun that refers to a type of black tea originating from China. Souchong tea is typically made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are partially oxidized before being processed. The term "souchong" is derived from the Chinese word "xiaozhong," which translates to "sub-variety" or "small leaf."
The production of souchong tea involves plucking the large leaves of the tea plant, allowing them to wilt slightly, and then roasting them over pinewood fires. This unique smoking process gives souchong tea its distinctive flavor and aroma, which is often described as smoky, earthy, and robust. The tea leaves used to make souchong are typically low in caffeine and have a reddish-brown appearance.
Souchong tea is widely appreciated for its strong and distinctive taste, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a bolder tea flavor. It is often enjoyed plain, without any additives such as milk or sugar, to fully appreciate its unique character. Souchong can be consumed hot or cold, and it is commonly used in culinary applications to impart a smoky flavor to various dishes.
Overall, souchong tea is a flavorful and aromatic black tea with a pronounced smoky taste, produced through specific roasting techniques. It is highly regarded among tea aficionados and offers a distinctive tea-drinking experience.
A finer sort of black tea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Souchong" can be traced back to the Chinese language, specifically the dialects spoken in the Fujian province of China. The term "sàochōng" (撒種) is a combination of two words: "sào" (撒), meaning "to scatter" or "to sow", and "chōng" (種), meaning "seed" or "sprout".
In the context of tea, "Souchong" refers to a specific type of black tea that is made from the larger leaves of the tea plant, rather than the smaller and younger leaves used in other black teas. The leaves used for Souchong are typically harvested later in the season when they have fully matured. This distinction in leaves may have influenced the use of the term "sàochōng", suggesting that these leaves were scattered or sown later than others.