Understanding CTC : Crush – Tear – Curl

INTRODUCTION

The initials “CTC” maybe connected to your salary package, but in the vast world of tea however, CTC, which stands for Crush-Tear-Curl, is a revolutionary method in tea manufacturing that has transformed the way we enjoy our daily cup of tea.

Let’s dive into what makes CTC tea so special and why it holds a significant place in the hearts of chai lovers around the globe.

ORIGINS OF CRUSH-TEAR-CURL (CTC)

During the British Colonial Rule in the 1930s the method of CTC was developed .It was during the time where the demand for tea was exponentially at an all time high. Traditional methods of processing tea were labor-intensive and time-consuming. The CTC method was developed to streamline the process efficiently and produce consistent high quality tea leaves for mass consumption.

Before CTC arrived on the scene , tea leaves were usually hand rolled and oxidized and it was labor intensive and time consuming . The traditional method resulted in having a variety of sizes and difference in quality making it challenging to produce a uniform or consistent product .The Industrial Revolution played a major role in developing CTC where the process was automated or mechanized which in turn created a more efficient way of handling large quantities of tea leaves.

TEA PROCESSING

The CTC process consists of 6 steps which the tea leaves undergo . They are :

1. Withering : This steps begin with fresh tea leaves being spread out to reduce the moisture content .  tea leaves partially loose moisture by about 10%–15%, the turgid leave becomes flaccid, and biochemical changes occur.
2. Rolling : In this step , the tea leaves go through cylindrical rollers with sharp teeth , where the tea leaves are crushes breaking them into further small pieces. This ensures that the leaves are broken down to facilitate the tearing process.
3. Oxidization or Fermentation : As the leaves go through the rollers, they are even torn into finer particles. This is where oxidization process occurs which is crucial for the tea’s flavor and color. The tearing process helps in the process as the leaves are exposed to air allowing for even and quick oxidization.
4. Drying : It is the process where the moisture level of the tea leaves are brought down by using drying machines which stops the oxidization process therefore promoting good shelf life.
5. Curling : Here , the tea leaves are curled into tiny hard pellets and are uniform in shape and size.The curling step gives the tea its distinctive appearance and helps in preserving the flavor and aroma during storage.
6. Sorting: Tea is sorted with a sieve into pieces of nearly identical size. There are four primary sizes of tea: whole leaf, broken leaf, fannings, and dust. Tea is further classified into various grades based on the characteristics found in each of these sizes. After sorting, the teas are packaged for delivery and storage.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

CTC tea is globally known for producing a full of flavor cup of tea. The swift and intense oxidation process during the CTC method results in a bright, almost a malty like color with a brisk flavor. The CTC tea is perfect for those who enjoy a bold and strong cup of tea often complemented with milk and sugar.

The consistency of the CTC pellets ensures almost an uniform brewing experience, whether you are using loose leaf tea or tea bags. The strong flavor profile of CTC tea makes it a favorite for making chai, a popular spiced tea beverage in many parts of the world. The tea’s ability to hold its flavor and color even when mixed with spices and milk makes it an ideal base for chai.

POPULARITY AND VERSATILITY

With its distinct qualities and flavors that have drawn the interest of tea lovers all around the world, CTC tea stands out as a major player. In India and Africa , it forms the backbone for the daily tea routine of the people. Because of its strong flavor profile and quick brewing time , it is quite famous in general households and cafes alike. You can find CTC tea in the form of loose leaves , tea bags , tea packages , etc.

The applications or versatility is limitless , all depends on your creativity and imagination. You can make a cold glass of Ice Tea for those hot summer days providing refreshment and flavor . In the cold days you can make Black Tea , Milk Tea , Chai Latte , you name it CTC can do it all. CTC tea makes an excellent choice for tea blends due to its strong flavor and its ability to distinguish itself from other teas or flavors even when mixed.

HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Anti-Oxidant Generator
2. Black Tea May Prevent Cancer
3. Promotes Your Heart Health
4. Can Strengthen your Nervous System
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
6.  Improves Immunity

CONCLUSION

With its creation in the 1930s, CTC tea has revolutionized the tea industry and is a popular and frequently eaten tea. It is prepared with the cut-tear-curl process, which yields a quick-brewing, robust, malty, and delicious tea.

The first place to grow CTC tea was Assam, India, from whence it is shipped in vast quantities. The tea is graded according to the size of the leaves. Despite having a higher caffeine content than other tea varieties, CTC tea offers a host of health advantages, such as lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease, promoting better digestion and weight loss, and boosting immunity. CTC tea is a favorite among tea enthusiasts around the globe and a mainstay in many homes due to its distinct flavor and processing technique.