What are fannings in tea?

"Fannings" refers to one of the grades of tea, specifically in the context of black tea production. It's a term used to describe small particles of tea leaves that are smaller than those in broken leaf grades. These particles are a result of the tea leaves being passed through sieves during processing, which separates the tea leaves based on size.

Tea fannings are smaller than broken tea leaves but larger than tea dust. They are commonly used in tea bags because they infuse quickly and yield a strong, robust flavor. Due to their small size, they have a larger surface area compared to whole leaves, allowing for faster extraction of flavors and color during brewing.

While fannings are often associated with lower grades of tea, they can still produce a flavorful cup when processed and stored properly. However, they are typically considered inferior to whole leaf teas in terms of flavor complexity and aroma.