1. About Qinling
Nestled in central China, the Qinling Mountains span 1,500 kilometers, boasting an elevation ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters. Home to over 3,800 plant species and 345 animal species, including the iconic giant panda, Qinling is a biodiversity hotspot and a vital conservation area on a global scale.
Not only is Qinling a geological masterpiece with stunning landscapes, but it also holds pivotal cultural and geographical roles. It is China's most significant mountain range, and it is partnering with the Huai River to form the Qinling-Huaihe Line, a crucial north-south divide. Often referred to as the "Dragon's Veins" of China, Qinling is the country's most essential and well-preserved natural region. It has been designated as the Qinling Giant Panda National Park, a testament to China's commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage.
These ancient mountains aren't just a natural marvel; they're a cultural crossroads. With a rich history influenced by the Silk Road, Qinling features temples, monasteries, and historic sites that echo centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Beyond its cultural and biological significance, Qinling's stunning landscapes, including the revered Hua Mountain, reveal a geological masterpiece. From limestone formations to deep gorges, the range paints a diverse and visually striking portrait of nature's grandeur.
2. Historical of Tea in the Qinling Mountain
Qinling Mountain Tea Region is situated to the north of Qinling and leans against the Ba Mountains to the south. With a long history of tea cultivation, it possesses rich cultural heritage, advantageous geographical positioning, and a favorable ecological environment. It is one of the northernmost tea regions in China and holds a pivotal position as the most important source for high-quality tea leaves in the northern tea-producing areas of the country.
the Qinling Mountains boast a rich legacy of tea cultivation, a tradition deeply interwoven with the region's cultural fabric and geographical tapestry. Centuries of expertise and a commitment to quality have shaped Qinling into a prominent hub for exceptional green and black teas, as well as a vital source for Fuzhuan brick tea, notably including the high-quality green teas produced in southern Shaanxi.
Centuries-Old Tradition
The practice of tea cultivation in the Qinling Mountains dates back over 1,000 years, a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient craft.
Climatic Advantage
The geographical positioning of the Qinling Mountains provides a unique climate, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters. This diversity contributes to the cultivation of tea with distinct flavors and characteristics.
Cultural Influence
The Silk Road, a historical trade route, facilitated the exchange of tea and cultural practices. Historical records document the integration of diverse influences into the local tea cultivation techniques, shaping the unique flavor profiles associated with Qinling teas.
Tea Varieties and Production Scale
The Qinling region is home to a variety of tea cultivars, including renowned types such as Bi Luo Chun and Xi Hu Long Jing. Production scale data highlights the substantial contribution of Qinling to China's overall tea production.
Trade and Economic Impact
The historical trade routes passing through the Qinling Mountains significantly influenced the local economy. Trade records and economic data showcase the pivotal role played by tea cultivation in shaping the region's prosperity.
Cultural Artifacts
Archaeological discoveries, including tea-related artifacts and ancient tea processing tools found in the Qinling region, provide tangible evidence of the long-standing tradition of tea cultivation.
Generational Expertise
Family records and oral histories passed down through generations underscore the continuity of tea cultivation practices, demonstrating the deep-rooted knowledge and expertise that has been safeguarded and refined over time.
In weaving together these strands of data and evidence, the history of tea cultivation in the Qinling Mountains emerges as a compelling narrative, firmly grounded in both the cultural tapestry and the empirical realities of the region.
3. Tea from the Qinling Region
3.1 Qinling Mountain Tea-Green Tea
The Qinling mountainous region nurtures high-quality green teas, including Ziyang Cuiya, Ziyang Se-rich Red Tea, and Hanzhong Xianhao. Renowned for their refreshing aromas and distinctive flavors, these teas reflect the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the mountainous area, showcasing the diversity of teas and the distinctive charm of the Qinling region.
3.2 Qinling Mountain Tea-Black Tea
Qinling black tea is celebrated for its vibrant red color and unique fruity notes in tandem with green tea. The climate and soil conditions in the Qinling Mountains provide an ideal environment for the growth of black tea, making it a favored choice among tea enthusiasts.
3.3 Qinling Mountain Tea-FuzhuanTea
Fu tea's distinctive aroma and flavor make it an integral part of the tea culture in the Qinling region. Although Fu tea is produced in Xianyang (located at the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains and historically known as the capital of the Qin Dynasty, with the world-famous Terracotta Army being the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty), a significant portion of the raw tea leaves come from the Qinling Mountains, maintaining the uniqueness of this tea tradition.
Fu tea is another treasure of the Qinling region, with Fu brick tea being a standout representative. Crafted in the form of pressed bricks, this tea undergoes a unique fermentation and pressing process.
3.4 Qinling Mountain Tea-Selenium-enriched Tea
In some regions of the Qinling Mountains, green and black teas are enriched with selenium, making them an ideal choice for a healthy lifestyle. Selenium offers multiple benefits to the human body, including strengthening the immune system, enhancing antioxidant capabilities, promoting metabolism, and maintaining cardiovascular health. These health benefits further enhance the value of Qinling tea.
Selenium is one of the 14 essential trace elements necessary for human and animal health. It possesses a triple biological function of nutrition, toxicity, and detoxification. It is referred to as the 'guardian of life.' Selenium deficiency in the body can lead to various diseases, including liver necrosis, myocardial degeneration, pancreatic atrophy fibrosis, muscle malnutrition, Keshan disease, large joint disease, cataracts, and more.
Selenium protects heart health and prevents cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and more. It exhibits antioxidant properties and anti-aging effects and enhances the body's immune system. Studies by Fang Y, Molan A, and others have shown that selenium-enriched green tea significantly surpasses ordinary green tea in antioxidant activity. Selenium has a solid binding capacity and can form metal-selenium protein complexes with metals such as Hg, Cd, As, Te, Pb in the body, leading to detoxification.
Additionally, selenium can reduce the harm of smoking, enhance reproductive function, and has functions related to cancer prevention, anti-cancer, cancer treatment, and HIV prevention. Research by Qiuhui Hu, Amantana A, and others has found a significant positive correlation between the selenium concentration in selenium-enriched tea and its tumor inhibition effects.
In the realm of Qinling Mountain Tea, the convergence of geography, ecology, history, and culture paints a vivid and diverse picture.
We will update and provide insights into the harvesting processes, tea-making, flavor profiles, and brewing methods of these tea types. Embark on this tea adventure with us, and let Qinling Mountain Tea unfold its beauty and authenticity in every cup.
The source of information about the description of the effectiveness.
Antioxidation, Delaying Aging.
Selenium and human health: An update: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and oxidative stress: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Boost Immune System.
Selenium and immune function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and immunity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases.
Selenium and cardiovascular disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and atherosclerosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Reduce the Risk of Cancer.
Selenium and cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and cancer prevention: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium also has the following benefits.
Selenium and liver health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and inflammation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and thyroid function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
Selenium and fertility: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188736/
