Since citrus scents are often added to black tea, such as in Earl Grey, you might imagine an orange aroma when you first see “Orange Pekoe.” However, unfortunately, Orange Pekoe doesn’t represent an orange scent. In this article, we will introduce the origin of the name “Orange Pekoe” and provide an overview of black tea grading.
Origin of the Name “Orange Pekoe”
The “Orange” in “Orange Pekoe” comes from the fact that the brewed tea appears orange in color. Additionally, “Pekoe” originates from the Chinese term “(Diopého).” “Pekoe” refers to the fine fibers that cover the surface of the tea buds, a characteristic of rare, high-quality buds. In essence, the name conveys the idea that “tea leaves made from rare buds with white pekoe, when brewed, produce an orange-colored tea.”
Grades of Black Tea
Orange Pekoe (OP) is one of the categories used to indicate the grade of black tea. These grades are based on the size and shape of the tea leaves, but they do not indicate flavor or quality superiority. Other grades include:
- BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): Tea leaves cut smaller than OP.
- BOPF (Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings): Finer than BOP, including the fannings part of the tea leaves.
- F (Fannings): Small pieces of cut tea leaves, known for quick extraction.
- D (Dust): Powdered fragments of tea leaves, mainly used in tea bags.
Grades, But Not Superiority
Black tea grades indicate the size and shape of the leaves, not their quality or superiority. Since different grades have distinct characteristics, they are suited to different brewing methods and preferences.
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