What is CTC?
Crush, Tear, Curl or CTC is a technique of processing black tea in which the leaves are passed through a series of rollers with razor sharp teeth that crush, tear, and curl the tea into small, hard pellets. This substitutes the final stage of traditional tea manufacture, in which the leaves are rolled into strips. Tea produced using this method is generally called CTC tea.
The first CTC machine was brought into service in 1930 at the Amgoorie Tea Garden in Assam under the supervision of Sir William McKercher. It proliferated over three decades starting in 1950, most rapidly in India and Africa.
An Assam CTC brew is one of the finest and aromatic blends in the world and is known to have a malty and a fruity flavor. CTC tea is also known to have immense health benefits.
Production
Today, most black teas produced use the CTC method or the closely related rotovane orthodox manufacture. CTC and rotovane orthodox have a finished product that is well suited for tea-bags, as the product quickly gives a dark brew.
For many large tea producers, 80% to 90% of the factory's production is of small, broken, primary grades suitable for tea bag blends; the remaining 10% to 20% are secondary grades which trade at a discount to the primary grades. The convenience, low price, strong liquor, generic flavor, and mild bitterness all have contributed to the near-monopoly that CTC-type teas now enjoy in South Asia.
In the Indian domestic market, this type of manufacture is by far the most popular – over 80% of tea production is of the CTC type. In the export market, particularly in the the Middle East, United Kingdom and Ireland, CTC teas continue to be the most highly in demand.
CTC teas generally produce a rich red-brown colour when they are boiled by the Indian method. The drawback of the CTC method is that it tends by its nature, and unfortunately by adulteration, to homogenize all black tea flavors. In the process of crushing, tearing and pelletising the tea leaves, pressures and stresses occur which break down the cells, releasing large amounts of the Phytin that normally oxidise to produce black tea's mahogany colour. Since, regardless of origin, CTC teas in their dry form are generically "tea-like" in aroma, and of similar pelletized appearance, it is easy to adulterate a more expensive CTC-type tea with inexpensive and generally mild lowland teas of the same process. Whole and broken leaf teas by contrast are quite varied in appearance, making adulteration more difficult.
Advantages of CTC Leaves
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CTC tea contains antioxidants which lower the risk of heart diseases.
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CTC tea helps in weight loss by blocking fat absorption in the cells.
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It also boosts digestion and immune system.
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Antioxidants present in CTC tea can help in the prevention of cancer.
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It contains high levels of caffeine which gives energy to the body.
The Different Grades of CTC Tea
CTC Teas are classified as per three categories. Leaf Fanning, and Dust. The leafy grades are classified in BOPL, BOPSM, and BP. The Fanning is graded between BPSM, PF, and OF. The dust grades are classified into PD and Dust.
If you plan to have a cup of hot, steaming and brewing aromatic coffee, Assam CTC Tea should top your list as it offers maximum benefits.
CTC Tea and its Popularity in India
CTC tea is loved amongst Indians because it is strong and very quick to infuse while being loaded with caffeine. The CTC tea price plays a huge role, in making this brew favorite among the middle class, Indians. Most of us use packaged tea leaves in our homes.
While this practice is fine, one needs to realize, that this brew is available in a variety of grades. Most of the packaged teas are adulterated, therefore, it will be best to buy CTC tea online from reputed websites like CelebrationsTea.com, to lay your hands on the best variety.
Preparation of CTC tea
When preparing CTC Tea, one teaspoon should be used per 6 oz. cup. The water should be boiled thoroughly before being poured, and the tea should be allowed to brew for 3-4 minutes & Milk.
All Celebrations Tea are all purest form of CTC Tea, processed with all industrial standards. 100% Natural and Healthy without any artificial ingredients.