CTC tea’s origins can be traced back to the 1930s when Sir William McKercher oversaw the Amgoorie tea estate in Assam. The CTC method was widely used in Africa and India in the 1950s. Well, the CTC technique is still used for processing black tea in India. To enhance the amount of tea that could be packed into a bag or sack, CTC tea was created during the Second World War.
Amgoorie Tea Estate
The terms “Aam,” which means mango, and “Guri,” which means the roots of the mango tree, is how the tea estate got its name. The tea garden is situated alongside Nagaland on the Brahmaputra’s southern bank. Mango trees are supposed to have been in great abundance nearby. The CTC teas made in Assam by Amgoorie Tea Garden are among the best. Boutiques in India and abroad are interested in buying this tea.
What is CTC Tea?
CTC stands for “Crush, Tear, Curl,” and the abbreviation itself describes the production process. The previous method required that tea leaves be carefully crushed and torn, but CTC simultaneously rolls, chops, and shreds tea leaves using CTC processing equipment. The rollers’ used in this process have many, pointed teeth that cause the leaves to be crushed, torn, and curled. The process creates small and firm pellets. The CTC process is distinct from conventional tea production such as orthodox method. Know the difference between CTC tea and Orthodox tea method is must for every tea lover.
The final product yields tea that is strong in flavour, quick to infuse, and suitable for tea bags. This process has become more and more common along with the rise in the popularity of tea bags.
Which areas produce CTC tea?
South India, Assam, the Terai, and the Dooars, are the places that produce CTC tea. There are many gardens that are renowned for producing top-quality CTC teas, and Assam and the Dooars are one of them.
What are the health benefits of CTC tea?
Black tea with CTC which is known as one of the finest aromatic blends in the world provides multiple health benefits
- Helps Fight Cancer: One of the best blends of antioxidant-rich teas, Assam CTC tea helps to eliminate cancer-causing cells without harming neighbouring cells. Additionally, it fights cancer and keeps you fresh and hydrated.
- Reduces Fat: For those who have gained little weight, CTC is the ideal type of tea. It aids in both weight loss and the reduction of body fat. Assam CTC brews assist in weight loss by preventing the cells’ ability to absorb fat.
- Prevents heart-related issues: A cup of Assam tea twice a day has been shown in studies to help prevent cardiac problems and heart attacks by lowering the risk of having a heart attack by at least 50%. Additionally, it aids in blood vessel relaxation and the prevention of serious heart problems like high blood pressure and blood clotting.
- Boosts digestive health: Digestion is boosted by drinking a cup of CTC tea after a large meal. If you have a stomach cramp, you can also drink a cup of black CTC tea.
- Helps your body to relax: The organic compounds aid in headache relief and stress relief. A cup of CTC tea can calm you down and assists in bringing down blood pressure.
Consuming CTC Tea
From one batch to the next, CTC tea has a consistent flavour profile because of the CTC technique. Assam tea, a well-known black tea, is a typical variety of CTC tea. Assam tea often steeps with a rich, slightly bitter flavour and a deep ruby-red colour. Afternoon tea, English breakfast, and Irish breakfast are further popular black tea brews. The traditional black tea used in masala chai recipes is Assam tea. Masala chai is a beverage made with milk, black tea, and spices that literally translates to “mixed spice tea.”
The Different CTC Tea Grades
CTC Tea is categorized into four types: Whole leaf, broken leaves, fanning, and dust. The grades for leafy plants are divided into BOPL, BOPSM, and BP. The Fanning is given a BPSM, PF, or OF grade. There are two categories for dust grades: PD and Dust. The leaf that is plucked is produced into whole-leaf tea with minimal to no change. Whole-leaf teas are seen to be the most valuable, particularly if they have tips. Smaller broken leaves are also utilized in teabags. Broken leaves are supplied as medium-grade loose teas.
Assam CTC Tea should be at the top of your list if you want to enjoy a cup of hot, steaming, and delicious tea because it is not only refreshing but also healthy for you.