- Published on
CTC Chai Grades Explained: Why Price Alone Is Not Enough
- Authors
- Name
- Arjun Aditya
- @arjunaditya_
Why Understanding CTC Chai Matters More Than Just the Price
If you are buying chai in bulk — whether for a café, office supply, retail counter, or resale — one thing becomes clear very quickly: not all chai is the same.
Most buyers start with a simple question: “What is the price per kilo?”
Price matters, of course. But anyone who has worked with chai for some time knows that price alone does not decide whether a tea will actually work for a business.
What Exactly Is CTC Chai?
CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl. In this process, tea leaves are crushed and rolled into small, uniform particles. This is why CTC chai brews quickly, gives strong colour, and works especially well for milk-based Indian chai.
However, even within CTC tea, there are many variations. Two teas can both be called “CTC chai” and still behave very differently in the cup.
Why Some Chai Is Darker Than Others
Many people assume darker chai always means stronger or better chai. In reality, colour depends on several factors:
- Particle size
- Oxidation during processing
- Seasonal variation
- The tea garden and origin
Very fine particles release colour quickly, but that does not always guarantee a clean or balanced taste. Sometimes a slightly lighter-looking chai performs better across multiple brews.
Common CTC Chai Grades Explained
| Grade | Particle Size | Liquor Colour | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP (Broken Pekoe) | Medium | Bright & clean | Balanced chai for cafés and retail |
| BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) | Medium–small | Strong & brisk | Offices and daily consumption |
| PF (Pekoe Fannings) | Small | Dark & fast brewing | High-volume chai preparation |
| PD (Pekoe Dust) | Very small | Very dark | Roadside stalls and strong blends |
| Dust | Finest | Extremely dark | Cost-focused bulk blending |
A Simple Rule for Bulk Chai Buyers
When buying chai in bulk, do not look at price alone. Ask about the grade, particle size, colour, and consistency. These details decide whether the chai performs reliably or creates problems later.
Good bulk chai is not about chasing the lowest rate — it is about choosing tea that delivers the same result, cup after cup.