Along with coffee tea it is one of the world's most popular beverages. And oriented in a variety of teas can be difficult. For example, many believe that the granulated tea - is nothing more than a low-grade imitation of a noble beverage. But is it really?

Unusual pellets

Packages with granulated tea is marking «CTC». This code indicates the technology to produce the variety of tea - cut, tear and curl, that is, "crushing, tearing, curling". The title reflects all the main stages of processing tea leaves. First subjected to oxidation leaves are crushed with special devices, then scroll through the rollers with teeth, whereby torn apart and twisted. So neat tea granules obtained.

Granulated tea is produced mainly in India and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). The main advantage of production technology lies in its economy: waste resulting granulation almost never happens. Accordingly, the finished tea is cheaper than tea leaf. It is not surprising that the volume of production of this tea is very high - for the production of pellets used more than eighty per cent of the total crop of tea.

In the process of twisting the structure of the tea leaves is broken. The leaves emit large amounts of juice, and this will inevitably affect the quality of the beverage and flavor. When brewing pellets typically fall apart, losing its shape.

Infusion CTC turns out very strong and invigorating, it has a dark color and a pronounced tart flavor. This tea is recommended to drink in the first half of the day: if you drink it in the evening, sleep can be difficult. At the same time gourmets say that the flavor of this tea is not enough pronounced. And the taste of the drink a few rude - for a full tea ceremony Tea ceremony: a source of health   infusion, probably will not do.

True connoisseurs are granulated tea slightly down: you can sip a drink as a cure for drowsiness, but it is unlikely it will be astringent taste for someone revelation. But not everyone is waiting for a cup of tea some amazing experiences: for someone enough that the tea is CTC wonderful invigorates. In addition, a popular drink and it makes a relatively low price.

Right choice

Although foodies are granulated tea with prejudice, this drink can be quite good. Everything depends on what leaves used in the manufacture of tea, the time of their collection from teas, tea leaf processing methods, methods of storage and, of course, from the manufacturer. Manufacturers of world renown usually offer only high quality products - this applies including a granulated tea. While this tea is cheaper than a sheet produced by traditional technologies, to find fault with the quality of it is impossible.

There's also a different situation. While the production of granulated tea itself is beneficial, sometimes it reduces the price even more by making a tea from tea leaves or debris tea dust. The quality of the tea leaves much to be desired. The same can be said about the case of CTC, which is made not from the upper branches of the tea leaves, and from the coarser the fourth and fifth layers.

The art of tea brewing granulated

Tea granules can be of various sizes. What they are smaller, the faster the tea is brewed, and the more saturated hue is obtained infusion. Fans of slightly less strong tea can recommend the larger granules.

Regardless of the size of the pellets always CTC tea is more a fortress than a regular sheet. This means that welding should take less than usual. If baikhovi traditional tea brewed at the rate of one teaspoon per cup plus one - in the teapot, in the case of granulated tea formula is different. For every two cups should take one teaspoonful (heaped) dry tea leaves.

It is best suited for brewing a porcelain or ceramic teapot, tapering upward. It is advisable to prefer bowl thick, not less than five millimeters walls. Before brewing tea teapot should pour over boiling water, "warm". It is important then to drain all water, and perhaps even slightly wet tea inside to left droplets of moisture.

In warm, dry tea poured tea leaves and immediately pour the boiling water. Of great importance is the temperature of boiling water. Connoisseurs call this the boiling stage "white key" Water should not be too bubbling, from the bottom of the kettle climb up tiny bubbles that make water appear murky, almost white.

First, tea leaves filled with boiling water so that the water just covers pellets. When closed, the lid disclosed pellets, steamed. Three minutes later, the kettle should pour boiling water and a towel to wrap up the vessel - it is necessary to drink tea granules gave its flavor. Finally, after a couple of minutes, strong drink is ready. This tea is good with sugar and without it, with lemon, honey The benefits of honey: tasty recovery , with milk. Re granular brewing tea is not recommended, but it is better to drink it, for half an hour after brewing.

The original solution

Sometimes granulated tea mixed with more expensive sheet. The result is a drink that is distinguished, on the one hand, the strength of CTC tea, and on the other - a refined fragrance of high quality loose tea. Such blends can be done independently, mixing in their favorite taste varieties.

Mixing ratio may be arbitrary. However, the most delicious and aromatic mixture obtained if the leaf tea in them prevails. For example, if seven pieces of leaf tea to add three parts of granulated tea, you get crisp, strong and at the same time tasty and fragrant drink.

Maria Bykov

Related Articles

Green tea - Use clear

Tea Ceremony: options for every taste

Molokochay

Ginger tea - for weight loss and not only