Black CTC Tea
Black CTC Tea (Crush, Tear, Curl) is a type of fully oxidized black tea manufactured using a mechanical process where tea leaves are cut, torn, and curled into small, uniform pellets using CTC machines. This method enhances the tea’s briskness and allows for quick brewing, making it a popular choice for both loose leaf and tea bag markets.
CTC processing results in a range of granular tea grades, each producing distinct liquor characteristics suited for various consumer preferences and market segments.
Grades Produced
a. Primary Grades
i. Broken Pekoe 1 (BP1)
- Description: The largest leaf particle size among CTC grades. Coarser and bulkier in appearance.
- Liquor Characteristics: Yields a lighter liquor with a good aroma; less brisk compared to finer grades.
- Use: Commonly blended with finer grades to balance liquor strength and flavor; favored in premium tea blends.
ii. Pekoe Fanning 1 (PF1)
- Description: Medium-sized grain, smaller than BP1 but larger than PD.
- Liquor Characteristics: Produces a strong, bright, and brisk cup of tea.
- Use: The most commonly produced grade in Kenya; widely used in tea bags due to its rich color and robust flavor.
iii. Pekoe Dust (PD)
- Description: Fine particle grade, smaller than PF1.
- Liquor Characteristics: Quick-brewing liquor with a deep color and full-bodied strength.
- Use: Ideal for tea bags and markets where a strong, fast-brewing tea is preferred.
iv. Dust 1 (D1 or DI)
- Description: Finer than PD, almost dust-like in texture.
- Liquor Characteristics: Brews into a very strong, dark liquor almost instantly.
- Use: Primarily used in low-cost, quick-brew tea bags and strong blends.
v. Red Pekoe Leaf (RPL)
- Description: Coarse, flaky, fibrous leaf particles with a reddish hue.
- Liquor Characteristics: Yields a duller and lower-quality infusion.
- Use: Typically used in low-priced blends or as filler with higher grades.
b. Secondary Grades
i. Fanning 1 (FI)
- Description: Smaller leaf fragments sifted from PF1 or BP1 during sorting.
- Liquor Characteristics: Medium brightness and strength.
- Use: Often used in economical blends or sold as loose tea in local markets.
ii. Dust
- Description: Extremely fine particles, almost powdered.
- Liquor Characteristics: Brews very fast and delivers a highly strong, dark liquor.
- Use: Common in mass-market tea bags and for instant steeping teas.
iii. Tea Maker’s Fannings 2 (TMF2)
- Description: Residual mix of small fibrous particles and finer fannings.
- Liquor Characteristics: Moderate strength; may lack clarity or vibrant color.
- Use: Frequently used in value blends for local consumption or low-cost packaging.
