The illustration demonstrates two different methods used in manufacturing black tea.
Overall, the black tea manufacture includes four steps, beginning with the harvesting of tea leaves and ending with the drying process.
Initially, only the bud and two top leaves are picked for ensuring high quality. Then, these leaves will be placed onto a rack with air blewing through them to remove approximately 60% moisture. After this step, tea leaves are divided into two methods for different demands. With the traditional method, leaves are rolled and crushed to produce loose tea. At this step, enzymes are released from leaves. By contrast, modern method is used for tea bags production. After being cut, leaves are torn and curled for a quicker process and smaller granular pieces.
The following step is oxidation or fermentation, in which rolled leaves are spread on tiles or cement. At this point, the combination of enzymes and air make leaves change to copper colour. Subsequently, these leaves will be fired or dried in the oven or hot air dryers. This step helps create the flavor and aroma of tea leaves and it also eliminates about 97% moisture.
