CHINA Selenium-rich Tea
Selenium-rich tea in a greenhouse
CHINA
Ankang City, located within the southern area of Shaanxi Province, China, has one of the highest levels of ground-based selenium in the world. As such, tea crops grown in this area become enriched with selenium, and this naturally includes the local tea offerings.
Popularity and interest in the tea have soared in recent times as its selenium-rich nature has been confirmed. Selenium is an essential trace mineral for good health, assisting in providing a healthy immune system and optimal cognitive function. It is also seen to be beneficial for both male and female fertility. It is not naturally produced by the plants it is found in, and is instead taken up into the plant’s system through the soil.
Therefore selenium-rich soils like those found in Ankang are important agricultural resources, and the tea grown in them may be able to play a richer role in our inner health and wellbeing. The teas have a natural sweetness and both black and green teas are produced. [SJ]