What Is Ctc Tea Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

I adore a fine cup of CTC tea, which, if you didn’t know, is known for its intense flavor and its not-so-subtle aroma. I take it (with the following amendments) about 90 percent of the time, though it’s definitely worth before and after any meal.

Unaccompanied, it’s definitely quite the unyielding brew. But I take it with a level amount of milk that can only deserve the term “half and half” in full context.

And let’s not forget to grace it with a couple of pinches of sugar; no amount of sugar can perfectly take it to its other extreme—delta chai tent city—but just the right amount, perhaps around 1/2 teaspoon, works very well. When I say “chai,” I definitely mean spiced tea, so I make sure to add a couple of hearty spices like cardamom or ginger in small amounts.

Ingredients photo for What Is Ctc Tea Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for What Is Ctc Tea Recipe

CTC tea leaves: Rich in antioxidants, they provide taste and strength.

H2O: Necessary for quenching thirst; serves as a fundamental medium in the art of brewing.

Milk: Contributes creaminess; is rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Sucrose: Sweetens tea; supplies immediate strength and boosts flavor.

Warmth, aroma, and health benefits are provided by spices (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon).

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 teaspoon CTC tea leaves

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/4 cup milk (optional, adjust to taste)

  • Sugar to taste (optional)

  • Spices like cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon (optional, based on preference)

Instructions

1. Start by boiling 1 cup of water in a small pan over medium heat.

2. Put 1 teaspoon of CTC tea leaves in the boiling water.

3. Let the tea boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the leaves to steep and unfurl their taste.

4. Should you like your tea spiced, add a pinch of crushed cardamom, a bit of grated ginger, or a small cinnamon stick to boiling tea.

5. When the tea has steeped, turn the burner to low and add 1/4 cup of milk, if you like. Use more or less, depending on how strong or weak you want the tea.

6. Combine the ingredients and allow them to come back to a gentle boil.

7. When it hits the desired color and strength, turn off the heat, and let the tea steep for one minute.

8. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the tea into a cup or pot to remove any tea leaves or spices.

9. If you want, you can add sugar to taste, and if you do, make sure to stir it in until it dissolves completely.

10. The CTC hot tea should be served immediately and enjoyed alongside snacks or by itself.

Equipment Needed

1. Small pan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Fine mesh sieve
5. Spoon for stirring
6. Grater (if using fresh ginger)
7. Cup or teapot for serving

FAQ

  • What is CTC tea?CTC is the abbreviation for Crush, Tear, and Curl, a method of black tea processing that results in small, hard pellets of tea leaves. When brewed, the tea is exceptionally strong and robust, which is why it is widely used to create that sweet, spiced, and creamy libation known as chai.

  • Can I make CTC tea without milk?Making CTC tea without milk is doable. Steeping the tea leaves in water is the first step. Adding sugar or spices as desired completes the process.

  • What spices are typically used in CTC tea?Spices added to CTC tea commonly include cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Depending on your preference for chai, you can mix and match these spices.

  • How long should I steep CTC tea leaves?CTC tea leaves are robust, so steep them for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Modulate the steeping time to get the strength you want.

  • Is CTC tea caffeinated?Certainly, CTC tea is a black tea type and has caffeine in it. The specific content can vary with different brands and steeping durations.

  • Can I use alternative sweeteners in CTC tea?You can absolutely use any sweetener you like to flavor your tea, including honey, agave nectar, or any other option.

Substitutions and Variations

1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black tea or tea bags (as alternatives to CTC tea leaves)
1 cup of milk made from almonds, soy, or oats (as a substitute for cow’s milk)
Substitutes for sugar that provide sweetness include honey, agave syrup, or stevia.
Different spice options include mint leaves, pure vanilla essence, or nutmeg.