Single Grade CTC Tea: How to Use BP, PD, and Dust
By Swachh Tea | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to brew single grade CTC tea—BP, PD, and Dust—for consistent strength and flavor. Step-by-step guide with tips for each grade.
Quick answer
To get the best from single grade CTC tea, match the leaf size to your brewing method: use BP for a lighter, brisk cup; PD for balanced everyday chai; and Dust for a strong, dark brew.
Why single grade CTC tea matters
Single grade CTC tea means the leaves are sorted by size—Broken Pekoe (BP), Pekoe Dust (PD), or Dust—so every batch brews consistently. You don't get the blend of grades found in standard CTC tea, which can vary in strength and steep time. This makes single grades ideal for chai recipes where repeatability matters, whether at home or in a café.
Choosing the right grade for your cup
BP leaves are the largest, offering a lighter color and brisk flavor—good for plain tea or lighter chai. PD is medium-sized, balancing strength and smoothness, making it a versatile choice for daily chai. Dust is the finest, steeping quickly into a dark, strong brew that stands up to milk and sugar, perfect for masala chai.
How to brew single grade CTC tea
- 1. Choose your grade and measure: For BP, use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz water. For PD, use 1 teaspoon. For Dust, use ¾ teaspoon (it's finer and stronger). A common mistake: using the same amount for all grades—Dust needs less to avoid bitterness. Start with these amounts, then adjust to taste.
- 2. Heat water to boiling: Bring fresh water to a full boil (212°F/100°C). CTC tea needs boiling water to extract quickly. A common mistake: using water below boiling, which leads to weak, flat tea. Always use freshly boiled water for CTC.
- 3. Steep by grade: BP: steep 3–4 minutes for a brisk cup. PD: steep 2–3 minutes for balanced strength. Dust: steep 1–2 minutes for a strong brew. A common mistake: steeping Dust too long—it turns bitter fast. Set a timer the first few times to dial in your preference.
- 4. Strain and serve: Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into your cup. For chai, add milk and sugar after straining. A common mistake: leaving leaves in the cup—they continue steeping and become harsh. Strain immediately to stop extraction.
Product facts
- Single grade CTC sample pack-BP only: Single-grade CTC sample pack, BP only, for a clear and consistent tasting experience. This pack lets you explore the specific profile of Broken Pekoe without mixing grades, so you can decide if BP's brisk, lighter character suits your brewing style.
Single grade CTC sample pack-BP only
