In the diverse world of tea grading, Black Tea Dust and Black Tea Fanning represent two of the most widely used grades in the commercial tea sector. While they may not carry the elegance of whole-leaf varieties like Orange Pekoe, these smaller leaf grades are essential to the beverage industry, especially for tea bags, ready-to-drink products, and mass-market blends. At Nam Son Group, both black tea dust and fannings play a strategic role in meeting the global demand for consistent, quick-brewing tea products.
What Are Black Tea Dust and Black Tea Fanning?
Tea grading involves classifying tea leaves by size and quality after processing. Black Tea Dust (D) and Black Tea Fanning (F) are by-products of this process, made from broken or sifted leaf particles that remain after the whole leaves are separated.
- The finest particle size in the grading system
- Appears as tiny, powdery leaf fragments
- Brews very quickly, producing a strong, bold flavor
- Commonly used in economical tea bags and instant tea mixes
Black Tea Fanning
- Slightly larger particles than dust, often resembling small flakes
- Offer a richer, slightly more complex flavor
- Still brews quickly, but with less astringency than dust
- Frequently used in medium-grade tea bags and flavored blends
Key Differences: Dust vs. Fannings
| Feature | Black Tea Dust |  |
| Particle Size | Very fine, almost powder | Small flakes or fragments |
| Brewing Time | 30 sec – 1 min | 1–2 minutes |
| Flavor | Strong, bold, brisk | Strong with more complexity |
| Use Case | Low-cost tea bags, foodservice | Mid-range bags, flavored teas |
| Leaf Integrity | Lowest | Low |
Applications in the Beverage Industry
At Nam Son Group, both Black Tea Dust and Black Tea Fanning are produced through careful sorting and processing. Though they are considered lower-grade by traditional standards, these teas are highly functional and in-demand across the beverage industry.
1. Tea Bag Production
Both grades are ideal for fast-brewing tea bags, which dominate supermarket shelves and foodservice channels. Dust is used for high-intensity, quick-steep teas, while fannings offer a balance between speed and flavor quality.
2. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
In bottled iced teas or instant tea powders, black tea dust excels due to its quick extraction and bold flavor. Fannings can also be used when a slightly smoother profile is desired.
3. Chai and Spiced Tea Blends
Black tea fanning are commonly used in masala chai and other spiced tea blends where the strength of black tea must match bold spices like ginger and cardamom.
4. Institutional & Catering Use
Hotels, airlines, and catering services rely on dust-grade tea for high-volume, cost-efficient brewing, where consistency and speed are priorities.
Conclusion
Though often overlooked in favor of whole-leaf grades, Black Tea Dust and Black Tea Fanning are indispensable to the modern tea and beverage industry. Their quick-brewing nature, bold taste, and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for large-scale use. At Nam Son Group, we take pride in producing these versatile grades to meet the diverse needs of our global partners—whether for retail tea bags, ready-to-drink beverages, or bulk tea applications.