Assam Tea

CTC tea stands for Crush, Tear, Curl tea. It is a popular method of processing black tea where tea leaves are passed through rollers with sharp teeth that crush, tear, and curl the leaves into tiny granules or pellets.

Characteristics of CTC Tea

• Strong, bold flavor
• Dark liquor (reddish-brown color)
• Quick brewing
• High caffeine strength
• Ideal for milk tea and masala chai

CTC tea is widely consumed in India, especially for everyday chai because it blends well with milk, sugar, and spices.

How CTC Tea Is Made

The basic manufacturing steps are:

1. Withering reducing moisture in fresh leaves
2. Crushing, tearing, and curling the leaves
3. Oxidation (often called fermentation in tea processing)
4. Drying
5. Sorting and grading

Difference Between CTC and Orthodox Tea

Common Uses

• Masala chai
• Milk tea
• Tea bags
• Hotel and caf tea blends

Assam CTC tea is especially famous for its strong malty taste and is commonly used by chai vendors across India.