Fermentation
Tea fermentation actually is an oxidation process. Depending on temperature, degree of wither and rolling techniques, the time for oxidation ranges from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
In India two methods of oxidation are used-
1. Floor and rack
2. Deep bed /forced air- continuous fermenting machine
Floor method(cement floor) is oldest and extensively used than forced air.
Tea fermentation actually is an oxidation process. Depending on temperature, degree of wither and rolling techniques, the time for oxidation ranges from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
In India two methods of oxidation are used-
1. Floor and rack
2. Deep bed /forced air- continuous fermenting machine
Floor method(cement floor) is oldest and extensively used than forced air.
During oxidation process the color of leaf changes from green to coppery red. The liquor character i,e briskness, brightness, astringency and strength of tea develop at this stage. These characteristics reach at optimum stage from 45 min. to 1.30 hr depends on weather, withering condition and temperature in CTC tea. In orthodox it takes more time than black tea.
