If you thought green tea could only be processed the orthodox way, think again. Researchers at the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Assam, India, have unveiled findings that could revolutionize green tea production, making it more efficient and affordable. Published in the Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies journal, the study explores the application of the Curl, Tear, and Crush (CTC) method—traditionally used for black tea—to green tea.
The groundbreaking research reveals that CTC-processed green tea (CGT) matches or even surpasses orthodox green tea (OGT) in antioxidant levels and bioactive compounds like polyphenols, catechins, caffeine, and theanine. These compounds are vital to green tea’s health benefits, such as its antioxidant properties. Researchers claim CGT can achieve the same antioxidant levels and flavor profile as OGT while requiring only half the tea leaves.
“Just 0.75 grams of CTC green tea provides bioactive content comparable to 2 grams of orthodox tea,” explained one scientist. “This innovation makes green tea more affordable, enabling consumers to reap its health benefits with less tea.”
The CTC method enhances tea production by breaking leaves into smaller particles with a larger surface area, increasing their interaction with water during brewing. This allows for a higher release of beneficial compounds, making CGT significantly more efficient than OGT. According to the study, CGT is up to 167% more effective in releasing bioactives, offering an economical option without compromising quality.
The researchers believe that adopting CTC for green tea could greatly expand its global market reach. This method offers an affordable alternative to meet rising demand while benefiting tea producers.
As global interest in green tea continues to grow, Tocklai’s findings pave the way for a sustainable and accessible green tea option. Introducing CTC processing in green tea production could provide a product that is affordable, high-quality, and rich in health benefits, creating a win-win for consumers and producers alike.
This development positions CTC green tea as a promising addition to the global tea market, meeting the demands of a diverse and expanding consumer base while supporting sustainable growth for the tea industry.
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