Orthodox and CTC are two distinctive approaches to tea processing, each offering a unique set of characteristics to the final cup. Orthodox tea production follows a traditional method, involving meticulous steps such as plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. This process is known for yielding loose tea leaves, unlocking a spectrum of wonderful tastes. However, it is time-consuming and demands a significant human workforce. The care taken in orthodox tea-making results in a product that embodies a classic, pure form of the tea plant.
CTC method is all about making tea production efficient and on a large scale. Here, the tea leaves go through full oxidation and mechanical processing, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to the traditional way of making tea. CTC employs special cylindrical rollers with saw-like blades. These rollers crush, tear, and curl the tea leaves all at once, making the process quicker and resource-efficient. It’s popular in India and is the go-to choice for tea bags because it brews fast.
CTC tea offers a bold flavor profile and takes less time to steep, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quick and robust cup. Its advanced processing method involves putting tea leaves into a cylindrical roller, resulting in a diverse range of tastes in a shorter steeping time. It has become a staple, especially for those looking for a convenient and speedy tea option.
In contrast, orthodox tea-making remains a timeless tradition, with a focus on plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. This method requires more time and human intervention but is characterized by careful handling and attention from trained tea professionals. The emphasis here is on choosing the best quality tea leaves, delivering a pure and authentic representation of the tea plant.
In the Orthodox method, the tea leaves remain whole or are only partially broken during processing. This preserves the leaf structure, resulting in larger and more varied leaf styles, including whole leaves, buds, and sometimes stems. The CTC method involves crushing, tearing, and curling the tea leaves into small, uniform pellets. This process results in finely ground tea leaves, often with a granular appearance, which brews into a robust and quick-infusing cup. Whether one opts for the classic and time-honored approach of orthodox tea or the efficient and bold flavors of CTC, each method caters to distinct preferences, offering a delightful array of tastes to tea enthusiasts.
