CTC-PF (Pekoe Fannings, CTC Black Tea)

PF (Pekoe Fannings, CTC Black Tea)

1. Definition and Process PF is a fanning‑grade CTC black tea. Produced by withering, CTC crushing‑tearing‑curling, fermentation, screening and drying. Its granules are finer than BP but coarser and less tender than PF1. It infuses rapidly with strong liquor, acting as cost‑effective base material for tea‑bags and milk‑tea blending.

2. Raw Material and Characteristics

• Raw Material: Mature tea leaves, lower tenderness compared with PF1.
• Appearance: Fine granules in dark brown‑black colour, limited golden tips, minor fine stems, less uniform than PF1.
• Internal Quality: Deep rich reddish liquor with good colour strength.

3. Functional/Quality Characteristics

• Aroma: Malty and caramel‑like rich aroma, less brisk than PF1.
• Taste: Robust heavy‑bodied liquor with noticeable astringency. Gives dark colour when mixed with milk. Easy to turn bitter with over‑steeping due to fine particle size.
• Nutrition: Rich in theaflavins and thearubigins.

4. Application Scenarios

• Main economical‑grade raw material for mass‑produced tea bags.
• Used for milk‑tea blending to enhance liquor strength and control cost.
• Not fit for loose brewing without fine filter, fine particles leak easily. Better for milk‑blend rather than straight drinking.

5. Brewing Suggestions

• Water Temperature: 85‑95°C
• Time: 1‑1.5 minutes. Avoid over‑steeping to prevent bitterness.
• Tea Set: Tea sachet or cup with fine filter.

In summary, PF CTC black tea features fast infusion and rich liquor colour with good cost‑performance. It is widely used for economical tea‑bags and milk‑tea blending.