Basic Introduction to Ankang Selenium-Rich Tea
Selenium-rich tea is a type of tea containing abundant selenium, which benefits the human body in various ways. An intake of 50 to 200 micrograms of selenium per day for adults can enhance immunity, protect cardiovascular health, and prevent cancer.
The production area of Ankang selenium-rich tea is located in the southeastern part of Shaanxi Province, characterized by a significant altitude range, high probability of mist, and favorable ecological environment. It is also the largest natural selenium-rich region in the country, with moderate selenium concentration that is easily absorbed by plants. The tea produced here has a tender green infusion, a fresh and fragrant aroma, a fresh and mellow taste, and a sweet aftertaste.
Selenium-rich tea has become the leading industry in Ankang. The philosophy of “green waters and green mountains are gold and silver mountains” and “if people do not betray the green mountains, the green mountains will not betray them” serves as both theoretical guidance and practical outcome in Ankang. In recent years, following the development strategy of “transforming methods, strengthening brands, and increasing efficiency,” the city has consistently regarded the selenium-rich tea industry as the main industry for enriching the people and strengthening the city, a sustainable industry for farmers' income growth, and the primary industrial chain of Ankang's eco-economy. The city has been continuously promoting the high-quality development of the selenium-rich tea industry throughout its entire supply chain. Ankang selenium-rich tea is now widely available across the country through multiple channels, and the Ankang selenium tea brand has gained a strong reputation.
Nutritional Value
An intake of 50 to 200 micrograms of selenium per day for adults can enhance immunity, protect cardiovascular health, and prevent cancer.
Selenium-rich tea helps reduce fat and aids weight loss, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and has antibacterial properties. It can also act as a natural detoxifying agent, promote health, clear out bodily toxins, and alleviate the burden on the heart and blood vessels. Drinking selenium-rich tea can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids.
Product Characteristics
Ankang selenium-rich tea boasts unique qualities, including “robust, tender, lush, bright green in color, and rich chestnut fragrance with a mellow and sweet aftertaste.” The tea from Ankang is slender and tightly twisted, with obvious down, a yellow-green color, and a generally uniform appearance with an oily luster. Teas from other regions tend to be more curled, with a fresh or grassy green color and a smooth surface.
The infusion of Ankang selenium-rich tea is bright green or yellow-green. When cooled, it remains clear and gradually turns yellow. The infusion of teas from other regions is clear and bright.
History and Folklore
The history of Ankang selenium-rich tea dates back over 3,000 years, originating in the Western Zhou Dynasty, flourishing during the Tang and Song Dynasties, and enjoying a renowned reputation throughout history. It was also a significant source of silk road tea products. Ankang is one of the earliest places in China to produce tribute tea and cultivate tea trees artificially. Scientific analysis of 2,150-year-old tea leaves found in the mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi of the Han dynasty indicates that these “world's oldest tea leaves” originated from Ankang. According to the classic work “Tea Classic” by Lu Yu, the tea sage of the Tang Dynasty, “tea produced in Jinzhou grows in the valleys of Xicheng and Ankang counties,” and Ankang tea became a valuable tribute second only to gold. During the Qing Dynasty, “Ziyang Maojian” was considered a superior tribute and listed among the top ten famous teas in the country.
Awards and Honors for Ankang Selenium-Rich Tea
On June 14, 2018, “Ankang Selenium-Rich Tea” was approved as a national geographical indication certification trademark;
In 2019, it was included in the directory of regional public brands for Chinese agricultural products, specifically for tea regional public brands;
In April 2021, it was listed in the first batch of the national catalog of distinctive, high-quality, and new agricultural products for 2021;
On April 23, 2022, the Ankang Selenium-Rich Tea regional public brand entered the China Agricultural Products Geographical Indication Brand Image Museum.