Useful insights on CTC tea vs Dust tea

As a tea lover, it’s good to know how to differentiate between the different types of teas, primarily when it comes to their looks, texture, and taste. CTC and dust teas are some of the popular options. They might appear similar at first glance but they undergo distinct processing methods and offer unique flavours, and serve different purposes. Here we share some useful insights on CTC tea vs dust tea: CTC tea: CTC stands for crushing, tearing, and curling because that is the exact process through which the tea leaves undergo. The unique processing of CTC tea makes the finished product look completely unique. The tea takes on the shape of little pellets and does not resemble teas that have whole leaves.

Production method: As stated previously, the tea leaves are crushed, torn, and curled up. This is not done by hand but by using a CTC machine. This mechanised process ensures consistency in the size and shape of the tea leaves, creating uniform pellets that brew consistently and quickly.

Brewing characteristics: CTC teas provide a full-bodied and strong brew without being steeped for long periods.

Flavour profile: CTC teas are known to have a bold and robust flavour. They have a pronounced malty and strong taste.

Dust tea: As the name indicates, dust teas are those teas that have been ground to a fine texture. They are even finer than CTC tea. The uniqueness of such teas is that they are used across different tea blends.

Particle size: Dust teas have the smallest particles of any tea variants. The particles are so small in fact that the texture practically resembles dust.

Brewing characteristics: Like CTC tea, dust tea also needs minimal time to brew and release its flavours. If brewed for longer, the tea can turn increasingly astringent.

Flavour profile: Dust teas have an astringent and nuanced flavour profile. This is primarily because of the broken leaves and stems used to make such dust teas.

Comparison between dust tea and CTC:

Size: CTC tea is made of fine tea leaves that are curled up. On the other hand, dust tea is even finer than CTC tea.

Flavour and strength: Both these tea variants have bold flavour profiles. However, the flavour of dust tea is a bit stronger.

Looking for tea online from one of the best tea manufacturers in India?

Explore our extensive assortment of teas sourced from numerous tea estates spanning various regions in India, such as Darjeeling, Assam, Dooars, Terai, and beyond. With 17 tea estates across India and Africa, we have cultivated a legacy since 1945 in crafting some of the finest teas. You can explore our CTC teas, such as the Assam Manjushree Second Flush Kadak (CTC) Chai, Cachar Labac First Flush CTC Black Tea 2023, Fennel Spiced CTC Masala Chai, Dooars Aryaman Second Flush Kadak (CTC) Chai, and many more. We also offer dust teas. For instance, you can explore the Assam Nahorhabi High Grown Second Flush Hotel Dust.