In the world of tea, two terms pop up often: CTC and orthodox. They refer to how black tea leaves are processed — and the difference shows up in your cup.
CTC stands for Crush-Tear-Curl. Here, leaves are rolled through machines into tiny pellets, producing strong, brisk tea. Think classic Indian chai — bold enough to handle milk and spices with ease.
Orthodox tea, on the other hand, is crafted with more care. Whole leaves are rolled gently, keeping their shape intact. This method highlights subtle flavours and aromas, often floral or fruity. Orthodox teas are sipped without milk to appreciate their nuances.
Neither is “better” — it depends on your mood. Need an energising cup with milk? Go CTC. Want to savour complexity? Try orthodox. At Tea Trunk, we lean towards orthodox whole-leaf teas, letting the leaf tell its story.
