Here’s a TESDA- and Oud Academia–aligned module on Cut Size & Particle Uniformity for Agarwood Leaf Tea, designed for food-grade, non-resin leaves, with practical guidance for quality control, processing, and export readiness.
Cut Size & Particle Uniformity
Food-Grade Agarwood Leaf Tea
1. Core Principle
“Uniform leaves brew consistently, taste predictably, and look premium.”
Particle size and uniformity affect:
- Infusion quality – aroma, flavor, color
- Drying efficiency – even moisture removal
- Packaging & aesthetics – consumer perception
- Regulatory & export compliance – batch consistency
2. Recommended Cut Sizes
| Tea Type | Cut Size / Leaf Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Leaf / Large | 4–6 cm | Premium loose-leaf tea; gentle handling preserves aroma |
| Broken Leaf | 1–3 cm | Suitable for convenient brewing; slightly faster infusion |
| Fannings / Small Pieces | <1 cm | Used for tea bags; faster infusion but lower visual appeal |
Training Tip: Keep consistent cut sizes per batch; avoid mixing very large and very small pieces.
3. Particle Uniformity Guidelines
- Sorting & Sieving
- Use graded sieves or mesh trays to separate particle sizes
- Remove dust, stems, and foreign matter
- Cutting Tools
- Use sanitized scissors, knives, or mechanical cutters
- Avoid crushing or powdering leaves unintentionally
- Batch Consistency
- Maintain cut-size uniformity per batch
- Record in batch log for traceability
- Impact on Infusion
- Uniform leaves → even extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids
- Non-uniform leaves → uneven color, taste, and aroma
4. Quality Assessment Benchmarks
| Parameter | Ideal Outcome |
|---|---|
| Leaf length / size | Consistent within chosen grade (whole, broken, or fannings) |
| Leaf shape | Intact, minimal tearing or powdering |
| Appearance | Even color, no excessive dust or small fragments |
| Sensory | Uniform aroma and infusion color |
5. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
Learners will be able to:
- Apply cutting and sieving techniques for uniform particle size
- Understand the impact of particle size on infusion quality and bioactive retention
- Maintain batch consistency and documentation
- Conduct visual and sensory evaluation for uniformity
- Integrate particle size standards with drying, oxidation, and packaging
6. Integration with Other Modules
- Drying Methods: uniform size ensures even drying
- Moisture Content: smaller pieces dry faster; adjust drying time
- Functional Blends: maintain uniform particle size across blended herbs
- Single-Origin Teas: preserve consistency for traceability and premium branding
7. Regulatory & Export Notes
- FDA-PH and ASEAN: particle uniformity contributes to consumer safety, brewing consistency, and quality assurance
- Labeling & Packaging: visually consistent teas improve marketability and premium appeal
8. Training Disclaimer
This module applies exclusively to food-grade agarwood leaves.
Resin and heartwood follow separate particle size and processing standards.
✅ Ideal For:
- TESDA CBLM & quality control modules
- Oud Academia leaf tea processing, blending, and packaging courses
- Plantation SOPs for cutting, drying, and packaging consistency
- Export-ready premium leaf tea production
I can next create:
- A visual infographic showing cut size ranges, leaf grades, and sieving workflow
- A batch log template for particle size and uniformity checks
- Integration into TESDA submission package with drying, oxidation, moisture, and sensory modules
Do you want me to make the cut size & particle uniformity infographic next?