The withering process
removes the moisture content from the green leaf and conditions
the leaf to facilitate better rolling.
No sooner it is received at the factory, the leaf is weighed
and spread on troughs. Withering, is a process, where
conditioned air is circulated between the leaves, initially
to remove any surface moisture and thereafter to concentrate
and chemically breakdown the tea juices.
It takes 10 hours to 14 hours for the physical and chemical
changes to take place, and bring the leaf to soft and
rubbery condition suitable for the next stage of manufacture.
