About Assam orthodox Tea cutting leaf
Flavor: Rich, authentic, malty, bold, and full-bodied with sweet notes of honey and earthy undertones.
Appearance: The brewed liquor is a vibrant coppery color.
Aroma: Delicate and aromatic.
Leaf: Whole or large leaves, often with golden tips.
The Orthodox method is a traditional process that preserves the tea leaf's integrity:
Withering: Freshly plucked leaves are wilted to reduce moisture content and prepare them for rolling.
Rolling: Leaves are twisted to initiate oxidation and release flavor compounds.
Oxidation: Enzymes in the leaves react with air, developing the tea's characteristic flavor and color.
Drying: Heat is applied to halt oxidation and dry the leaves, preserving the final product.
Premium Quality: The labor-intensive, whole-leaf processing makes Orthodox tea a higher-quality product compared to CTC tea.
Flavor vs. Strength: It is favored by those who prefer a complex flavor over the intense strength of some other Assam teas.
Serving: Can be enjoyed with milk and sugar, though many prefer it black to savor its complex flavors.
Blends: Commonly used in popular tea blends like English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast teas.
Assam Orthodox tea is a high-quality, whole-leaf black tea from India's Assam region, known for its bold, malty, and full-bodied flavor with notes of honey. The "Orthodox method" refers to its traditional, hand-intensive processing, which involves withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying the leaves to preserve their natural flavor and produce larger, whole-leaf tea. This method contrasts with the mass-produced CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea and results in a richer, more complex taste profile