Rotovane A modern machine for the second stage of manufacture which produces a CTC tea. Sorting The fifth stage of manufacture. The dried leaf is sorted mechanically by sifting the different leaf size particles or grades through different size meshes. Tasting The sixth stage of manufacture where all the grades of tea are tasted after each make to maintain strict quality control at all making stages and to ensure consistent making standards. Withering The first stage of tea manufacture in the tea factory.
Plucked leaf is spread on tables or trays and left to wither in the natural warm air.
Today, in some tea factories this process is aided by warm air fans built under the withering area.