CTC & Orthodox Grades • Dust to Whole Leaf
The finest particle size among dust teas, giving a strong, dark liquor and brisk character. Preferred in tea bags and quick-brewing blends.
| Liquor | Very strong, quick brew, deep red cup |
| Common Use | Tea bags, fast infusion teas |
Slightly coarser than SFD, with a bright reddish liquor and strong taste. Very popular for blends that require quick infusion and strong cup.
| Liquor | Strong, bright red liquor, brisk |
| Common Use | Domestic dust blends, strong cup drinkers |
Coarser than SRD, but still in dust category. Produces bright red liquor with medium to strong strength.
| Liquor | Medium-bodied, reddish, brisk |
| Common Use | Popular in South Indian tea markets for everyday consumption |
A dust grade slightly bigger in size than RD. Brews a bright cup with medium strength.
| Liquor | Balanced cup, good briskness, medium body |
| Common Use | Blends where dust is needed but not overly fine |
Smaller broken leaf particles that brew a bright, quick cup, stronger than leaf but lighter than dust grades.
| Liquor | Bright, brisk, fairly strong |
| Common Use | Blended teas, tea bags, loose black teas |
Larger broken leaf grade, produces a medium-strong cup with good color. Retains more leaf character than dust grades.
| Liquor | Full-bodied, brisk, aromatic |
| Common Use | Loose teas, blended leaf-dust mixes |
One of the most recognized broken grades. Balanced in liquor strength and aroma, widely traded in bulk exports.
| Liquor | Medium to full-bodied, bright, strong aroma |
| Common Use | Premium blends, export markets, loose tea packs |
Whole-leaf or slightly broken, rolled leaf grade. Produces a lighter cup, smooth and aromatic. Considered higher-end in orthodox teas.
| Liquor | Light-bodied, delicate, aromatic |
| Common Use | Orthodox teas, specialty blends, retail packs |
