Upcountry black tea fermentation room humidity: hygroscopic tile floors and cooling fans?
3 Answers from travellers
Fermenting crushed tea dhool on ceramic or tiled tables requires strict atmospheric humidity control (90-95% RH) to prevent outer leaf edges from drying out and turning black prematurely. During dry seasonal winds, factory floors are hosed down continuously with cold spring water. Atomizing mist sprayers mounted overhead maintain moisture saturation, while ceiling exhaust fans regulate air exchange without creating drafts that accelerate surface evaporation on the fermenting leaf bed.
Fermentation timing is monitored by color change; white-gloved factory tasters check when the leaf turns bright coppery-red before stopping oxidation in fluid-bed dryers.
Historic upcountry tea factories feature thick granite and brick walls that naturally insulate fermentation rooms against external temperature swings.
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