The "Crush-Tear-Curl" (CTC) tea production method is a very different process than the orthodox method explained above. The five processing steps are performed in the orthodox method, which is done with CTC, much faster and in a limited capacity. CTC was invented specifically for the black tea industry, to save time and money.

Here you will learn the different methods on how tea is made .

The three differences between the orthodox method and CTC

1. The Crush-Tear-Curl method is not based on all tea leaves

Orthodox tea production, whether entirely handmade or using rolling machines, seeks to maintain the integrity of the tea leaf. Tea leaves in the Orthodox method are not chopped, crushed, or otherwise ground, whether green tea, oolong tea , or black tea . Orthodox processing utilizes the whole leaves to create a wide range of flavors in the cup.

2. The CTC method is carried out with machinery that macerates fresh tea leaves.

CTC stands for Crushing, Tearing, and Curling. The withered leaf is usually machine-cut to a uniform size, then fed into the CTC machine, where it is crushed, torn, and rolled in a single operation using metal rollers. The cell juice is extracted, collected, and added back to the leaves. The crushed leaves are then oxidized, dried, and graded.

The CTC method is primarily used in regions of India, and a full batch produced using CTC can take as little as two hours. In orthodox processing, the leaves are never intentionally cut or torn, as they are carefully rolled and handled, just enough to produce a specific flavor. Its production relies on true tea artisans who have learned this craft for years, in many cases generations, to make a specific tea.

At Tetique, we pride ourselves on offering the finest teas for bakeries , cafes, and restaurants. Our teas are made with high-quality ingredients and presented in biodegradable and compostable tea bags to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

We offer a wide variety of teas, from green and black teas to herbal and fruit teas, to meet the needs of your business and your customers. Plus, our highly trained team can advise you on the best tea selection for your business and help you create a customized tea menu.

3. The CTC was invented specifically for the production of black tea

These fast-brewing teas are ideal for the bagged tea industry, as well as for use in chai and iced tea blends. Their flavor is very one-dimensional, powerful, and brightly colored, with a pungent astringency; traditionally produced teas do not produce this type of color and body.

However CTC cannot produce the tremendous variety of flavour and aroma that is known and loved in orthodox produced teas, and you cannot use the CTC method to make white teas , oolongs etc. The crushed leaf oxidises very quickly and there are a few green teas that allow the CTC manufacturing process, but this is only achieved by evaporating the leaves to prevent oxidation.

At Tetique, we take great care in the production of organic teas . We ensure that our teas are made with high-quality ingredients and are sustainably grown.

We are suppliers of organic teas and infusions for cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Spain . We are proud to offer a wide variety of teas and infusions made with natural, sustainably grown ingredients. Our tea bags are also biodegradable and compostable to minimize their environmental impact. If you're looking for high-quality, environmentally friendly teas and infusions for your business, we at Tetique are here to help.