Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea

Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea

Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea is a protected geographical indication product.

　　     Kaiyang Nangong Tea has a long history and was offered as a tribute to the imperial court during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. Over the years, Kaiyang Nangong Tea has been renowned for its selenium richness. The tea boasts a naturally fragrant aroma, a refreshing taste, and can supplement the essential trace element selenium needed by the human body, achieving the health-enhancing effect of drinking tea. Kaiyang County enjoys a mild climate, with an average annual temperature of around ten degrees, and its humid weather and selenium-rich soil give rise to the unique quality of Nangong Tea. Grown on the highland mountainsides, the tribute tea is nourished by cool morning fog and warmed by the afternoon sun. This cultivation method results in tender tea buds, an aromatic flavor, and an unforgettable taste.

　　     In recent years, relying on its unique natural and cultural resources, Kaiyang County has implemented a strategy of "interactive development among tourism, culture, and sports." Capitalizing on its selenium-rich characteristics, the county has upgraded tea industry bases, improved processing techniques, enhanced product quality, and strengthened branding—transforming tea products into new types of tourism offerings. Currently, the selenium-rich tea base in Nanlong Township, Kaiyang County, has expanded to over 8,000 acres. The tea industry has gradually grown and gained increasing recognition. With innovations in tea processing techniques, Kaiyang tribute tea has become even more flavorful.

　　     The current administrative region of Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province

　　     "Kaiyang County People’s Government Request on Delimiting the Geographical Indication Protection Scope of Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea," Kai Fu Cheng [2012] No. 171

　　     Local Standard of Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province:

　　    DB52012147-49-2007 "Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea Standard System"

　　    Quality and Technical Requirements for Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea

　　    I. Varieties

　　    Suitable medium and small leaf tea tree varieties for making selenium-rich tea.

　　    II. Growing Conditions

　　    Elevation within the production area: 900m to 1300m; soil type: yellow loam, with soil selenium content ≥0.46mg/kg, and soil pH value between 4.5 and 6.5.

　　    III. Cultivation Management

　　    1. Seedling cultivation: vegetative propagation.

　　         2. Planting: planting period is from early November to late March of the following year, with planting density ≤55,000 plants per hectare.

　　    3. Fertilization: apply over 3,000 kg of organic fertilizer per hectare annually, and apply supplemental fertilizer in a timely manner according to tea tree growth conditions.

　　    4. Environmental and safety requirements: the use of pesticides, fertilizers, etc., must comply with national regulations and must not pollute the environment.

　　    IV. Harvesting

　　    Spring tea: from early March to mid-May; autumn tea: from early September to mid-October.

　　    V. Processing Techniques

　　    1. Process flow: fresh leaves → withering → fixation → shaping or rolling → drying.

　　    2. Process requirements:

　　         (1) Withering: place in a shaded area, with a thickness of 1cm to 4cm, for 5 to 10 hours, until the leaves become soft and moisture loss reaches 20% to 25%.

　　         (2) Fixation: temperature around 200°C to 250°C, moisture content 55% to 65%.

　　         (3) Shaping: use a shaping machine to shape the leaves until moisture content is 15% to 25%.

　　        (4) Rolling: use manual or mechanical rollers.

　　        (5) Drying: moisture content ≤7.0%.

　　VI. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Uniform and neat appearance, green and lustrous color, pure aroma, fresh and mellow taste, bright green liquor, and even and tidy leaf bottom.

　　2. Physical and Chemical Indicators: Selenium content of 0.25 to 4.00 mg/kg, water extract ≥36.0%, total ash ≤7.0%.

　　3. Safety and Other Quality Technical Requirements: The product’s safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with relevant national regulations.