What is the CTC Method in Tea? From Introduction to Tea Manufacturing Techniques to a Comparison with Orthodox Methods

Tea is an indispensable part of our daily lives, and there are many methods of producing it. Today, we will introduce the “CTC method,” one of the most widely used tea manufacturing processes. This method is popular worldwide because it allows for the extraction of strong tea in a short time. We will also touch on the differences with the traditional Orthodox method. To gain a deeper understanding of tea’s appeal, read on.

The CTC Method Process

1. Withering
Tea production begins with withering after the leaves are harvested. In this step, the leaves are spread out in a shaded, well-ventilated area to reduce their moisture content by about 30-40%. This softens the leaves, making them easier to process.

2. Rotorvane Processing
After withering, the tea leaves are processed using a machine called a rotorvane, which finely twists the leaves. This preparation is essential before the leaves are processed through the CTC machine.

3. CTC Machine Processing
The CTC machine performs the three processes of crushing (Crush), tearing (Tear), and curling (Curl) the tea leaves in one machine. This process turns the leaves into small, uniform particles.

4. Oxidation
The processed tea leaves then undergo oxidation. This step, done at controlled temperatures and humidity, gives the tea its characteristic flavor and color. Oxidation typically takes 20-40 minutes, allowing the tea to develop quickly.

5. Drying
Once oxidation is complete, the tea leaves are dried in a drying machine to stop the oxidation process. This reduces the moisture content of the leaves to 2-3%, improving their shelf life.

6. Sorting and Packaging
Finally, the dried tea leaves are sieved, sorted by size, and packaged.

Features and Benefits of the CTC Method

Tea produced using the CTC method has a strong color and robust flavor, making it especially suitable for milk tea and chai. Additionally, the uniformity of the tea particles produced by the CTC method makes it ideal for use in tea bags. This method is efficient for large-scale tea production and is widely used worldwide.

How Does the Orthodox Method Differ from CTC?

Compared to the CTC tea, which is quickly extracted and has a strong body, tea produced using the Orthodox method features larger leaves, is extracted slowly, and offers a delicate flavor and aroma. This method is primarily used to produce teas like Darjeeling.

Which is Better: CTC or Orthodox?

When comparing tea made using the CTC method with that made using the Orthodox method, Orthodox teas tend to be traded at higher prices. This might lead some to consider Orthodox teas to be of higher quality. However, it is also worth noting that the tea market is balanced by CTC teas, which are mass-produced, affordable, and widely available, and Orthodox teas, which are produced in smaller quantities and sold at higher prices. This variety is likely one reason tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water.