Basic Introduction to Shitai Selenium-Rich Tea

Selenium-rich tea literally means “rich selenium tea.” The term “rich” indicates that the soil content exceeds the average level, reaching the standard for being rich in selenium as determined by experts. Selenium is an essential element for the human body and is often referred to as the “king of anti-cancer elements,” which is the primary selling point of selenium. “Tea” here refers to tea leaves, and selenium-rich tea is a type of Green Tea.

A comprehensive explanation of selenium-rich tea is that it is a type of green tea rich in selenium, possessing all the benefits of selenium. It is a natural, green beverage for replenishing selenium.

Nutritional Value

Selenium-rich tea helps reduce fat and aids in weight loss, preventing cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between Drinking Tea and weight loss has been closely studied. As early as over two thousand years ago, the book “Shen Nong's Herbal Classic” mentioned the weight-loss effects of tea: “Long-term consumption soothes the mind, invigorates the spirit… makes the body light and prevents aging.” Modern scientific research and clinical trials have confirmed that drinking tea can lower blood lipid levels and cholesterol, making the body feel lighter. This is due to the combined effect of phenolic derivatives, aromatic compounds, amino acids, vitamins, and other substances in tea, particularly the synergistic effect of tea polyphenols, Caffeine, and vitamin C. These substances promote fat oxidation, aid digestion, and help with weight loss. Additionally, tea polyphenols dissolve fat, while vitamin C promotes the excretion of cholesterol. Tea itself contains theaflavins, which enhance the resilience of blood vessels, making them less prone to rupture.

Product Characteristics

Sensory Characteristics: compact shape, plump and tender buds and leaves, green and lustrous; fragrant aroma with a hint of wildflower scent; bright yellow-green infusion; fresh and mellow taste.

History and Folklore

The selenium-rich areas discovered so far include: Enshi, Hubei (World Capital of Selenium), Ankang, Shaanxi (China's Selenium Valley), Dashan Village, Shitai, Anhui (World's No. 1 Selenium-Rich Village), Kaili, Guizhou, Shuicheng, Guizhou, Longyou, Zhejiang, Zaozhuang, Shandong, Wanyuan, Sichuan, Fengcheng, Jiangxi, and others.

Manufacturing Method of Shitai Selenium-Rich Tea

Production Process: spreading → fixation → cooling → shaping → drying → cooling → packaging.

(1) Spreading: Fresh leaves should not be directly spread on the ground. During spreading, avoid damage to the shoots and leaves caused by direct sunlight or high temperatures. The thickness of the spread fresh leaves should not exceed 5 cm, and the spreading time should not exceed 6 hours, during which the leaves should be turned 2 to 3 times. The moisture content of the fresh leaves should be controlled at 70% to 75%.

(2) Fixation: Fixation is performed at 220°C to 260°C until the leaves turn dark green, lose their luster, become soft and slightly curled, feel slightly sticky when held in hand, and the grassy smell disappears, revealing a tea fragrance.

(3) Cooling: Cool the leaves to room temperature after fixation.

(4) Shaping: At a temperature of 110°C to 120°C, shape the leaves until the moisture content reaches 30% to 40%, then immediately remove from the heat and spread to cool for more than 1 hour.

(5) Drying: Drying is done in two stages: preliminary drying and final drying.

① Preliminary Drying: At a temperature of 90°C to 120°C, the layer thickness should be less than 2 cm. When the tea leaves reach a moisture content of 20% to 30%, they are removed from the machine and spread to cool for 2 to 3 hours.

② Final Drying: At a temperature of 80°C to 90°C, the layer thickness should be 3 cm to 5 cm. Ten minutes before the tea is sufficiently dry, the temperature can be increased by 5°C to 10°C. After drying, the finished tea should have a moisture content of no more than 6.5%.

(6) Cooling: After final drying, the product should be cooled to normal temperature before packaging.