Black Tea

SFD – SUPER FINE DUST

SFD represents the finest particle size in the CTC dust category, producing an intensely dark, full-bodied liquor with exceptional brewing speed. Its concentrated surface area releases color and strength within seconds, making it the preferred choice for high-volume tea bag manufacturing. Consistently delivers a deep, coppery-red cup with a pronounced brisk finish valued in South Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Deep copper-red, highly bright
Strength	Very strong
Aroma	Malty, brisk, slightly earthy
Infusion	Instant extraction — fully brewed in under 60 seconds
Common Use	Tea bags, CTC blend base, fast-brew commercial teas

SRD – SUPER RED DUST

SRD sits just above SFD in particle size, retaining the rapid infusion characteristic of fine dust while producing a distinctly bright, reddish liquor with a bold, brisk character. It is widely sourced for domestic and export blends requiring strength without excessive astringency. Particularly in demand across India, Pakistan, and the CIS region for everyday strong-cup consumption.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Bright red, clean and clear
Strength	Strong
Aroma	Brisk, malty, lively
Infusion	Quick extraction with high color yield
Common Use	Domestic dust blends, CTC tea bags, strong-cup retail

RD – RED DUST

RD is a coarser dust grade positioned between SRD and PD, offering a well-balanced combination of color, body, and briskness. Its slightly larger particle size results in a moderately paced extraction that produces a vibrant reddish liquor with medium to strong strength. Widely preferred in South Indian retail markets and blended packaged teas where controlled strength is essential.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Bright reddish-amber, clean
Strength	Medium to strong
Aroma	Malty, moderately brisk
Infusion	Steady extraction, good color release
Common Use	South Indian packaged teas, everyday loose leaf blends

PD – PEKOE DUST

Pekoe Dust is the largest particle in the dust classification, bridging the gap between dust and fannings grades. It produces a well-rounded cup with balanced body and good briskness without the intensity of finer dusts. Valued by blenders who require dust-grade speed of infusion with a softer, more approachable strength profile suited for premium packaged teas.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Amber-red, bright and clear
Strength	Medium
Aroma	Soft malt, gentle briskness
Infusion	Moderate extraction, smooth and consistent
Common Use	Premium dust blends, mid-range tea bags, HoReCa teas

PF – PEKOE FANNINGS

Pekoe Fannings are small, flat broken leaf particles that occupy a position between dust and broken leaf grades. They brew a brisk, bright cup that is stronger than broken leaf grades yet more nuanced than fine dusts, delivering good color with moderate leaf character. Commonly specified in tea bag blends, retail loose packs, and institutional teas where a balance of speed and flavor is preferred.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Bright amber, good clarity
Strength	Medium to strong
Aroma	Brisk, fresh, lightly malty
Infusion	Quick but not instant — balanced extraction
Common Use	Tea bags, loose black teas, export blends

BP – BROKEN PEKOE

Broken Pekoe is a coarser broken leaf grade that retains more of the leaf's natural structure and volatile aromatics compared to finer grades. It delivers a full-bodied, medium-strong cup with a pleasant briskness and noticeable fragrance on the pour. Preferred in markets where loose leaf character is valued — particularly for premium retail packs and leaf-dust blend formulations.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Deep amber, full and bright
Strength	Medium to strong
Aroma	Malty, aromatic, slightly woody
Infusion	Moderate brew time, rich color development
Common Use	Loose leaf blends, premium retail, leaf-dust mixes

BOP – BROKEN ORANGE PEKOE

BOP is among the most internationally recognized and traded CTC grades, prized for its consistent balance of strength, bright liquor, and distinct aroma. The broken leaf size allows for thorough extraction while preserving aromatic compounds that finer grades often lose. It is the benchmark grade for bulk export buyers seeking a versatile, high-performing tea that performs well both as a standalone and in blends.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Bright orange-red, vibrant and clear
Strength	Medium to full
Aroma	Distinctly malty, brisk, with a floral undertone
Infusion	Controlled extraction, excellent color and body yield
Common Use	Premium export blends, specialty loose teas, bulk auctions

PEKOE

Pekoe is a whole or minimally broken leaf grade representing the more orthodox end of the CTC spectrum, where leaf integrity and liquor finesse take precedence over raw strength. It produces a lighter, clean amber cup with refined aroma and a smooth, lingering finish that appeals to discerning palates. Sought after for specialty retail, single-origin packs, and orthodox market buyers who prioritize cup elegance over intensity.

Cup Profile

Liquor	Light golden-amber, clear and bright
Strength	Light to medium
Aroma	Delicate, floral, mildly malty
Infusion	Slow, gentle extraction — best with 3–5 minute steep
Common Use	Specialty retail, single-origin packs, orthodox blends