BOP GRADE CTC TEA

Discover the allure of BOP Grade CTC Tea, with its large granules ideal for blending. Unlock a bold flavor profile by preparing this tea meticulously to experience a unique brew.

Savor the cultural essence with BOP Grade CTC Tea, popular in Punjab, Haryana, and South India. Delight in its exclusive preparation method that brings out the distinct color and taste.

Embrace the rarity of Nanda Devi, the 6th highest quality loose tea grade. Elevate your tea ritual with this exceptional BOP Grade CTC Tea known for its distinctive character and richness.

Advance Information*

Introduction

The "BOP Grade CTC Tea" signifies a distinct variety of tea known for its unique characteristics and specific grading. "BOP" stands for "Broken Orange Pekoe," which indicates that the tea granules are larger and coarser compared to other grades. This type of tea falls under the CTC (Crush, Tear, and Curl) category, which is one of the most popular methods of tea processing in the world. The granules of BOP Grade CTC Tea are substantial, often requiring longer boiling times to achieve the desired color and flavor in the teacup.

Origins and Regional Popularity

Hailing from the lush tea gardens of India, BOP Grade CTC Tea is predominantly used in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and certain parts of South India. These areas have a rich cultural association with tea consumption, and the robust nature of this tea grade aligns well with the preferences and brewing habits of tea lovers in these regions.

Cultivation and Processing

Cultivation

The cultivation of BOP Grade CTC Tea involves selecting high-quality tea leaves, which are then subjected to the CTC process. The CTC method enhances the tea's ability to brew quickly and results in a strong, brisk flavor that is highly favored in many Indian households. The tea plants are nurtured in optimal conditions, ensuring the leaves reach peak quality before they are harvested.

Processing

1. Crushing: Freshly plucked tea leaves are withered and then run through a series of cylindrical rollers. These rollers crush the leaves, breaking them down into smaller pieces.
2. Tearing: The crushed leaves are then torn into even finer particles, increasing the surface area which facilitates quicker brewing.
3. Curling: The tearing process causes the leaves to curl into tiny granules. This curling process is what gives the tea its distinctive texture and shape.

Characteristics

1. Granule Size: The BOP grade represents the largest granules among the commonly found CTC teas. These granules are broken but larger than the fannings and dust grades.
2. Brewing Time: Due to the larger size of the granules, the tea needs to be boiled for a longer duration to extract the full flavor and achieve the desired dark color.
3. Flavor Profile: The flavor of BOP Grade CTC Tea is robust and full-bodied, making it perfect for blending with spices or serving as a strong standalone brew. It often requires the addition of milk and sugar to balance out its strength.
4. Aroma: The larger granules release a rich, earthy aroma that is both invigorating and comforting. This scent is often amplified when the tea is brewed with traditional Indian spices.

Usage

Traditional Preparation Methods

1. In Punjab: Tea in Punjab is often prepared using a heavy dose of milk and sugar, resulting in a thick, creamy beverage known locally as "Punjabi chai." The BOP Grade CTC Tea suits these preparation habits perfectly due to its robustness and strong flavor profile.
2. In Haryana: Similar to Punjab, residents of Haryana enjoy a strong cup of chai often with added spices like cardamom and ginger. The BOP grade granules are ideal for such preparations as they hold up well during the long boiling times required to absorb the spices' flavors.
3. In South India: In parts of South India, tea is prepared with an emphasis on strength and depth of flavor. The tea is often brewed for an extended period, sometimes in combination with a natural sweetener like jaggery. BOP Grade CTC Tea's strong characteristics make it a suitable candidate for such variations.

Nanda Devi - A Benchmark in Quality

The BOP Grade CTC Tea described here is part of a curated series of loose tea grades, with "Nanda Devi" being the 6th highest quality in this series. The name "Nanda Devi" resonates with purity and high standards, reflecting the exceptional quality control and careful selection processes that this tea undergoes:

1. Selective Harvesting: Only the finest leaves are chosen during the plucking process to ensure consistency in quality.
2. Rigorous Testing: Each batch of tea undergoes several rounds of testing to meet the stringent quality criteria set by the producers.
3. Expert Blending: Master tea blenders use their extensive knowledge and experience to create a balanced end product that aligns with the Nanda Devi quality standards.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Milk and Sugar: To truly appreciate the bold flavors of BOP Grade CTC Tea, it is highly recommended to serve it with a generous splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar.
2. Spiced Chai: Elevate your tea experience by adding traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to the brewing pot. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a myriad of health benefits