小种小種
Term · History
Souchong
Literal meaning
small + kind
Definition#
'Small kind': a leaf class, usually of Wuyi black tea, giving English 'souchong'. 正山小种 (Lapsang souchong, Tongmu) and 外山小种 are the classic types, described as the oldest black tea. In Indian-style grading 'souchong' survives as a leaf grade (e.g. PS).
Translation and usage#
| Language | Use | Alternatives & cautions |
|---|---|---|
| English | Souchong Wuyi black-tea leaf class established name |
Also acceptable
|
| Deutsch | Souchong Blattklasse des Wuyi-Schwarztees established name |
Also acceptable
|
| Русский | сушонг класс листа уишаньского красного чая established name |
Also acceptable
|
| 简体字 | 小种 | |
| 繁體字 | 小種 | |
| 日本語 | 小種 |
Common confusions#
- 种 is zhǒng (kind), not zhòng (to plant).
- Wiktionary derives souchong from Cantonese 小種; Russian Wikipedia notes 小 is not read sou in any Chinese variety, so the link is doubtful.
- In older Wuyi rankings 小种 was also a yancha grade below 奇种; see qizhong.
Terms#
Entries that use this term 3#
桐木关
Tongmuguan Tóngmùguān
High mountain village in Wuyishan National Park, about 70 km west of Wuyishan city: origin of pine-smoked Lapsang souchong (正山小种) and, since 2005, of Jin Jun Mei.
sourced
星村镇
Xingcun Xīngcūn Zhèn
Town west of the Wuyi scenic area and the historic market for Wuyi tea and Lapsang ('tea isn't fragrant until it reaches Xingcun'); about 42% of Wuyishan's tea gardens. Tongmu is in it.
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福建正山堂茶业
Zhengshantang Tea Fújiàn Zhèngshāntáng Cháyè Yǒuxiàn Zérèn Gōngsī
Tongmu (Miaowan) black-tea company of Jiang Yuanxun; its team created Jin Jun Mei in 2005. Leading Lapsang souchong producer inside the Wuyishan nature reserve.
sourced