CTC Tea: The Art of Crush, Tear, Curl & Where to Buy
CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea refers to a unique process of preparing black tea that refines its flavour, and colour. Immensely loved by most tea lovers, it is worldwide famous for its unique preparation method and its rich aroma. The market is filled with so many tea brands, but only a premium tea brand will offer high-quality CTC blends.
How Is CTC Tea Manufactured?
CTC tea is made through a “Crush, Tear, Curl” process. The entire preparation process, right from when the tea leaves are withered to the moment it reaches your cup is interesting to know. Here’s how a leading CTC tea manufacturer prepares that step by step:
The First Step: Plucking Fresh Tea Leaves For CTC
The first step of the process is carefully plucking fresh tea leaves from lush tea gardens. This step is essential, as only the best batch of tender leaves and buds make it to the process of packing tea for the best tea brands in India.
The Crush Process: Breaking The Leaves For Bold Flavor
Once plucked, the leaves are sent through rollers that crush them, breaking the cell structure and releasing natural oils. This step refines the natural and strong taste that various CTC tea brands are known for, making it perfect for chai lovers.
Tear Process: Enhancing The Aroma And Strength
After the leaves are plucked and crushed, they undergo the tear stage. In this stage, the leaves are further processed to improve the aroma and taste. This is one reason why CTC tea counts as one of the premium teas that leading tea brands in India proudly offer.
Curl Process: Creating The Perfect Shape For Steeping
Next, the tea granules are curled into small, even pellets. This gives the CTC tea a distinctive shape and also helps with faster brewing, making it a favourite among those looking for a quick yet flavorful cup from the best tea manufacturers in the country.
The Drying Process: Sealing In Freshness And Taste
In this step, the curled tea leaves are spread and dried at a controlled temperature. This is done to remove moisture while also preserving the rich taste and aroma that we’ve been trying to achieve until now. This step is crucial as it locks in the freshness, ensuring that every sip feels like a premium experience in itself.
From Leaves To Tea: The Final Touch For Quality CTC Tea
And finally, the tea granules undergo a final sorting and grading process to segregate the best of the best and maintain a standard quality. The finest sorted batches are packed and delivered to the best tea brands in India, making their way to reach every home, every chai table, and individuals of every age group.
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Key Factors To Consider When Buying The Best CTC Tea
A perfect CTC tea cannot be just picked up randomly from the market. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind before choosing from the best Indian teas available.
Quality Of The Tea Leaves
The most important factor in recognizing a great CTC tea is picking the one with the best quality of leaves. Choose and prefer tea with uniform granules and minimal dust. Choosing high-quality tea only from top tea wholesalers in India ensures a richer taste and a stronger brew.
Origin Of The Tea
The origin of the tea truly matters. Picking tea from the best tea gardens, including Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, can be the best choice here. Most tea brands in India usually choose from these areas, popularly known for their bold flavours and distinct aromas.
Manufacturing Process
The top best consumer tea brand in today’s market maintains strict CTC processing—crush, tear, curl—to deliver a bold and rich flavor. Go for a CTC tea manufacturer known for high-quality standards. That way, you’ll always get a strong and aromatic cup.
Packaging
Good packaging is very important as it helps preserve freshness. Airtight, moisture-proof packaging helps protect the tea from losing its essence, aroma, and strength.
Aroma
The fragrance of your tea says a lot about its quality, and it is one of the easiest ways to identify the best from the rest. Fresh CTC tea has a strong, malty, and slightly earthy aroma. If the aroma is weak or stale, it may indicate poor storage or low quality.
Flavor Strength
CTC tea is known for its boldness, making it perfect for strong chai lovers.Whether you like a deep, malty flavour or a smoother profile, choosing from the best Indian teas guarantees a satisfying and energizing brew.
Price
While a good tea doesn’t have to be expensive, the market has several budget-friendly options that often compromise on quality. To find an option that is affordable and excellent, try comparing prices from reputed tea producers in India and find what fits the best for you.
Brand Reputation
Buying from the best Indian tea brand provides authenticity, quality, and consistency. A trusted tea brand usually has a strong reputation backed by positive customer reviews, making it a safe choice.
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Brewing CTC Tea: Tips For A Perfect Cup
Love a strong, flavorful cup of tea? Here's how you can prepare the perfect CTC tea:
Choose the Right CTC Tea: Choosing the right CTC means picking the finest tea with fresh, strong granules sourced from the finest tea gardens.
Ideal Water Temperature For Brewing: It is important to use fresh, filtered water and bring it to a boiling temperature of around 90-98°C. Unlike other teas, CTC tea needs hotter water to extract its deep flavours.
Perfect Steeping Time: The perfect steeping time depends on how strong you would like your chai to be. Letting your CTC tea steep for 3-5 minutes is ideal, something that most tea companies do when they prepare for their blends.
Tea-To-Water Ratio: A standard ratio is 1 teaspoon of CTC tea per cup (around 150 ml) of water. The tea industry advises adjusting the tea quantity to match your taste preference.
Adding Milk, Sugar, Or Spices: Love classic chai? Add milk, sugar, or spices like cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon for that added flavour. The best tea powder in India pairs well with milk, creating a creamy, rich cup.
Straining For A Clear Cup: Once your tea is brewed as per your taste preference, strain it well to remove the tea granules. Many tea companies recommend double straining for a perfect cup of chai.
Serving Tips For The Best Taste: For the best tea experience, serve hot and fresh! Use ceramic or glass cups to retain heat and aroma.
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Health Benefits Of CTC Chai: Boost Your Wellness With Every Sip
A daily cup of CTC chai has several health benefits. It is a powerhouse of health benefits. From heart health to glowing skin, here’s why this bold brew deserves a spot in your routine.
Rich In Antioxidants: A premium tea brand provides chai that is packed with antioxidants and helps fight free radicals, keeping your body healthy and refreshed.
Boosts Heart Health: CTC tea helps regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Aids Digestion: CTC chai aids digestion and promotes gut health, making it a go-to remedy in many households.
Improves Mental Alertness: A moderate caffeine kick enhances focus and keeps you alert throughout the day, thereby improving your mental health.
Strengthens Immunity: CTC chai contains special compounds that support a strong immune system, helping your body fight off infections and seasonal illnesses.
Conclusion
CTC tea is a must-try for all tea lovers. Whether you’re looking for the best tea in India or simply want to enjoy a premium tea experience, choose a high-quality CTC blend like the Dalmia Gold Tea that has high-grown teas from selected estates. So, pick the best, brew it right, and enjoy your perfect cup of chai.
