For withering, the shoots are spread out evenly on trays, nylon nets, fine meshed screen wire trays, racks or shelves. Withering may be conducted in open sheds by utilizing the effect of natural breezes and air currents to wilt the leaves or, in special facilities with controlled heating and ventilating equipment. Regardless of the processes used, the leaves are withered so that moisture content is reduced from 70-80% to 50% and leaf conditions become limp and flaccid, suitable for rolling.

The aim of rolling is to twist the leaves through a mechanical process, in order to rupture the cells. During this process the phenols from the sap and enzymes from the cytoplasm are liberated and mixed, preparing the leaf to go through to the next stage of processing. A wide range of equipment can be used for this process, including the traditional processes such as orthodox method or rotavane or the C.T.C