Assam Single Origin CTC Tea by Ranchi Tea Co.

What is CTC Tea? A Guide to Single Origin CTC from India

What is CTC Tea?

If you've ever enjoyed a strong, robust cup of chai with milk, chances are you've already tasted CTC tea — you just didn't know it by name. CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl, a mechanical processing method that transforms fresh tea leaves into small, uniform pellets. These pellets brew quickly, releasing a bold, full-bodied flavour that's perfect for milk tea.

How is CTC Tea Made?

Unlike orthodox teas, which are hand-rolled and processed to preserve the leaf's natural shape, CTC tea goes through a machine that simultaneously crushes, tears, and curls the leaves into tiny granules. This process increases the surface area of the tea, resulting in a faster, stronger brew with a deep amber colour.

What Makes Single Origin CTC Special?

Most commercial CTC teas are blends from multiple gardens and regions, designed for consistency at scale. Single origin CTC, however, comes from a single tea garden or region — preserving the unique terroir, climate, and character of that specific place.

At Ranchi Tea Co., we source single origin CTC teas from some of India's most distinctive growing regions:

  • Assam CTC — Bold, malty, and brisk. The classic base for a strong morning chai.
  • Nilgiri CTC — Smooth and aromatic, with a subtle floral note unique to the Nilgiri hills of South India.
  • Arunachal CTC — Rare and earthy, from the remote tea gardens of Northeast India.

How to Brew CTC Tea

CTC tea is incredibly versatile. Here's a simple method for a perfect cup:

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of CTC tea per cup to boiling water.
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add milk and sugar to taste.
  4. Strain and serve hot.

For a spiced chai, add cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon while simmering.

Why Choose Single Origin CTC?

When you choose single origin CTC, you're not just buying tea — you're supporting small tea growers, preserving regional flavour traditions, and experiencing India's incredible tea diversity one cup at a time.

Explore our range of single origin CTC teas and find your perfect brew.

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