29/01/2026
Ceciliyan Tea Factory 🌱☕
• Nov 23, 2025 •
🍃 Introduction
In Sri Lanka, there are two main methods of processing tea.
Both methods transform fresh leaves into Ceylon tea with distinct flavour, aroma, and quality.
1️⃣ Orthodox Tea Processing Method - (Traditional Method)
🔹 Overview
This is the traditional method used to produce high-quality whole leaf tea in Sri Lanka.
It preserves the natural flavour and aroma of the leaves.
🔹 Process
• Plucking: Only the top two leaves and a bud are hand-picked.
• Withering: Moisture is reduced to make the leaves soft.
• Rolling: Leaves are rolled to release enzymes.
• Oxidation: Leaves darken and develop flavour.
• Drying: Oxidation is stopped by drying.
• Grading: Leaves are separated into whole leaf, broken leaf, etc.
🔹 Features
✔ High quality
✔ Rich aroma and natural taste
✔ Suitable for loose leaf tea
2️⃣ CTC Tea Processing Method
- (Crush – Tear – Curl Method)
🔹 Overview
CTC is used for fast production of large quantities of tea, especially for tea bags.
Leaves are mechanically processed into small pieces.
🔹 Process
• Withering: Leaves are softened.
• CTC Machine: Leaves are crushed, torn, and curled.
• Oxidation: Leaves develop strong colour and flavour.
• Drying: Moisture is removed.
• Grading: Leaves are sorted into fannings and dust.
🔹 Features
✔ Strong colour and flavour
✔ Quick brewing
✔ Ideal for tea bags
✨ Summary
• Orthodox method → High-quality, loose leaf tea
• CTC method → Strong, fast-brewing tea for bags
Ceciliyan Tea
