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CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) method

The CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) method is a technique for processing tea leaves, primarily used for making black tea. In this process, tea leaves are passed through specialized machinery that first crushes and tears the leaves into small pieces, and then curls them into tight coils. This method accelerates oxidation, enhancing the flavor and aroma of the tea. CTC produces a rich, strong brew and is commonly used for making teas such as chai and mass-market black teas, offering a consistent and efficient way to produce high-quality, flavorful tea quickly.