Effect of selenium spraying on green tea quality

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different selenium treatments on the sensory and chemical qualities of green tea harvested in the summer tea-producing season. Green tea was produced from fresh tea leaves sprayed with sodium selenite or organically bound selenium solution. The results showed that the sweetness and aroma of green tea extracts were significantly increased and the astringent taste and bitterness were significantly reduced by selenium spraying during the summer tea-producing season. Significant differences in astringent taste, bitterness and sweetness of green tea extracts were found between sodium selenite and organically bound selenium treatments. The total amino acid and vitamin C contents of green tea were significantly increased and the ratio of polyphenols and amino acids was significantly decreased by selenium spraying. The vitamin C content of green tea during storage was more stable as a result of selenium treatment. No significant difference was found between sodium selenite and organically bound selenium treatments. These results demonstrate that the sensory and chemical qualities of green tea were significantly improved by selenium spraying. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.