CTC vs Orthodox Black Tea
Assam is world-famous for black tea, but it produces two distinct styles: CTC and Orthodox. One is optimized for strength and utility, while the other is crafted for nuance and aroma.
1. Machine vs Handcrafted Processing
CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) is processed using heavy machinery that tear leaves into small, uniform granules. This maximizes surface area for rapid extraction. Orthodox tea is processed to keep the leaf whole and intact, gently rolling it to mimic hand-processing, preserving delicate oils.
2. Brewing Purpose
CTC is built to stand up to milk and sugar, making it the perfect foundation for Indian milk chai. Orthodox tea is highly aromatic and structured, meant to be steeped gently in hot water and sipped black to appreciate the subtle origin notes.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CTC | ORTHODOX |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Form | Small granular pellets | Twisted, whole leaves |
| Brewing Time | 2-3 Minutes (Very Quick) | 3-5 Minutes (Requires patience) |
| Body & Strength | Full-bodied, heavily brisk, astringent | Medium-bodied, smooth, low astringency |
| Additives | Perfect with milk and sugar | Best served black (no milk) |
| Market Position | Everyday premium family tea | Specialty connoisseur tea |