Fannings/Fines or Dust in the tea industry

In the tea industry, fannings/fines and dust are terms used to refer to the small, broken pieces of tea leaves that are left over after the tea has been processed. These small pieces are usually too small to be used in loose-leaf tea, so they are commonly used in tea bags or sold as lower-quality teas.

Fannings are the larger pieces of tea, usually measuring between 0.5 and 1.5 millimetres in size. They are created when the tea leaves are rolled and processed, and they are often used in tea bags because they infuse quickly and consistently. Because they are broken into smaller pieces, they release their flavour and aroma more quickly than whole tea leaves, but they are not as delicate in flavour.

Dust, on the other hand, is the smallest particle size of tea available, with pieces measuring less than 0.5 millimetres in size. Dust is often created as a byproduct of tea processing and is considered the lowest quality tea. It is commonly used in tea bags, where the tea is steeped quickly and the finer pieces of tea are not noticeable.

While fannings and dust are considered lower-quality teas, they still have a place in the tea industry. They are often used in blends to add body and strength to the tea, and they are commonly used in tea bags because they infuse quickly and consistently. Additionally, they are often less expensive than whole leaf teas, making them a more affordable option for many consumers.

However, it is important to note that while fannings and dust may be less expensive, they often lack the nuanced flavours and aromas found in whole leaf teas. They also tend to have a shorter shelf life than whole leaf teas, so they should be used relatively quickly after purchase to ensure the best flavour.

In conclusion, while fannings and dust may not be as highly valued as whole leaf teas, they still have a place in the tea industry. They are often used in blends, provide an affordable option for consumers, and are a convenient option for tea bags. However, it is important to remember that they may lack the depth of flavour and aroma found in whole leaf teas and should be consumed relatively quickly to ensure the best quality.