Ceylon Tea Production Process in Sri Lanka | Orthodox & CTC Black Tea Explained

Ceylon Tea has earned a global reputation as a benchmark of quality, flavour, and craftsmanship. Grown in Sri Lanka's distinctive terroir, it is processed through two principal methods — orthodox and CTC — each yielding a character quite different from the other, yet both reflecting the island's deep tradition of tea making.

This video walks through the full journey of Black Tea production, from the moment a skilled plucker selects two leaves and a bud in the field, all the way through the factory floor to the final graded product ready for the cup.

The Production Journey, Step by Step

Every stage of the process is carefully controlled to preserve flavour and aroma. After hand-plucking, the fresh leaf undergoes withering, which reduces its moisture content and softens the leaf ahead of mechanical handling. Rolling follows, breaking down the cell structure and beginning the release of the leaf's natural enzymes and oils. The leaf then passes through oxidation — the step that gives black tea its characteristic colour and depth — before being dried to halt oxidation at precisely the right moment. Finally, the made tea is graded by size and quality.

Orthodox vs. CTC: Two Approaches, Two Characters

The orthodox method handles the leaf more gently throughout rolling, preserving larger, more intact pieces. The result is a whole-leaf tea with complex floral, fruity, and malty notes that reward a slow, attentive brew. Visiting a Sri Lankan Tea Factory that follows orthodox production offers a vivid sense of just how much skill goes into coaxing those layered flavours from the leaf.

The CTC process — Cut, Tear, Curl — takes a different path. The leaf is passed through a series of rollers that cut and compress it into small, uniform pellets. This method produces a strong, brisk cup that brews quickly and carries well with milk, making it the everyday choice for millions of tea drinkers around the world.

Sorting and Consistency

Achieving consistency in premium grades requires more than experienced hands. Advanced sorting technologies, including colour separator machines, are used to ensure purity by removing any off-colour or extraneous matter from the finished tea. The combination of traditional expertise and modern sorting equipment is what allows Sri Lankan teas to meet the exacting standards expected in international markets.

The Elements Behind the Cup

Sri Lanka's climate, its elevation-driven temperature variations, and generations of skilled tea makers all contribute to the distinctive character found in every batch. Lakpura Tea draws on this same island-wide heritage, offering teas that reflect both the orthodox and CTC traditions described here. Whether the preference is for a delicate, aromatic whole-leaf or a bold, full-bodied brew, the craftsmanship behind each style is rooted in the same meticulous process shown in the video.