Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea

Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea

　　Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea is a specialty of Hefeng County in Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province. The finest varieties of Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea belong to the Hefeng Maojian series, which includes Cuifeng, Yin Zhen, and Cuiya. These teas are characterized by tender, strong, and uniformly shaped buds and leaves with visible white pekoe, a vibrant emerald green color, a long-lasting floral aroma, bright and tender green liquor, a delicious taste with a sweet aftertaste, and tender, evenly shaped leaf bases.

　　The Hefeng region boasts crystal-clear mountains and waters, with clouds and mist lingering throughout all four seasons, creating an exceptionally pristine natural environment. Research has shown that Hefeng is situated on rock formations from the Permian period of the Paleozoic era and the Cambrian–Ordovician period, and its soil is rich in the non-metallic element — selenium. The tea produced in Hefeng contains selenium, an essential element for the human body. Since ancient times, people have regarded it as having “unusual shape, color, liquor, and taste,” and it was offered as a “tribute tea” to the imperial court, although no one knew at the time that this was due to its high selenium content.

　　Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea is particularly prominent in the Bajiao Dong Autonomous Township. This township currently has 60,000 mu of tea plantations, making it the “Number One Township for Clonal Cultivar Tea Plantations in the Province.” The “Hefeng Yulu” tea produced here has a long history and enjoys fame both in China and abroad. In 1991, it was named a Hubei Provincial Quality Product and was included in the “China Famous Teas.” In recent years, other products such as “Longtan Cui Feng,” “Jinxing Yu Hao,” and “Pan-fired Green Tea” have also been developed. These products have won gold awards multiple times in the “E’cha Cup” competitions. In 2003, the “Hefeng Tea Culture Festival” was held, attracting numerous merchants from other regions.

　　Hefeng Selenium-Rich Tea not only offers a fragrant, delicious, and sweet lingering taste in its liquor, allowing people to enjoy the pleasure of tea aroma, but also replenishes essential trace elements and amino acids needed by the human body, enhancing physical strength and preventing and treating diseases. Domestic experts have conducted in-depth studies on selenium-rich tea and found that it helps eliminate free radicals, prevent lipid peroxidation, inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and prevent and treat arteriosclerosis, as well as promote growth and development and extend growth periods. Thanks to its unique geographical advantages, the region’s tea processing techniques offer high technological content and added value, appealing to a broad consumer base. Due to its specific regional resource advantages, the product not only has broad market development prospects and potential within the province, but also nationally and internationally.