Selenium-enriched tea refers to tea that is rich in the element selenium, which is an essential trace element for the human body. Selenium originates from the soil. In China, only Enshi and Ziyang have relatively high soil selenium content, making Enshi selenium-enriched tea and Ziyang selenium-enriched tea the only two varieties of their kind. Produced in Ziyang County, Shaanxi Province, Ziyang selenium-enriched tea belongs to the green tea category and is a tea with exceptional health benefits.
Ziyang Selenium-Enriched Tea: A Tea Rich in Selenium
Located in the southern part of Shaanxi Province, on the northern slopes of the Daba Mountains, Ziyang enjoys moderate rainfall and a climate ideal for tea cultivation, making it an excellent tea-producing region since ancient times. In recent times, it was discovered that the soil here is rich in selenium, and the Ziyang selenium-enriched tea made from it is a specialty health beverage that benefits human health when consumed. As one of only two selenium-enriched tea producing regions in China, Ziyang tea is highly sought after in the market due to its limited yield and high health value.
Ziyang tea has an average selenium content of 0.6530 ppm, reaching up to 3.8536 ppm, which is well above the [international selenium standard for tea is 0.2–5.00 ppm], making it among the highest levels found in China’s selenium-enriched teas. Selenium-enriched tea is known for its anti-aging, cancer-preventing, anti-cancer, anti-radiation, and immune-boosting properties. In addition, Ziyang boasts an exceptional natural environment. The resulting Ziyang tea offers a rich, long-lasting aroma and a robust taste without bitterness, earning high acclaim for its flavor profile.
Due to its high health value and its status as China’s premier selenium-enriched tea region, it is not only popular in China but also highly regarded in overseas markets, making it quite expensive. Typically, 500 g costs upwards of 400 RMB. Top-tier Ziyang selenium-enriched tea is crafted from premium spring tea leaves—specifically one bud and two leaves. Because of its exceptional taste and limited yield, the price for 500 g can even exceed 2,000 RMB.