Does Orange Pekoe Smell Like Oranges? Simple Answers to Common Questions, Name Origin, and Tea Grades
Since many people enjoy lemon-scented teas, such as Earl Grey, you might think that the name ’Orange Pekoe’ implies an orange-like aroma. However, Orange Pekoe does not refer to an orange scent. This article will provide information about the origin of the name ’Orange Pekoe’ and the different grades of tea.
Origin of the Name ’Orange Pekoe’
The name ’Orange Pekoe’ refers to the orange hue that the tea develops when brewed. The term ’Pekoe’ comes from the Chinese word ’Pai Hao,’ which means ’white hair’ and refers to the soft hairs covering young tea buds. These soft hairs are a characteristic of high-quality, young tea leaves. Essentially, the name means that the tea is made from rare, young tea buds covered with soft hairs, and when brewed, it produces an orange-colored tea.
Tea Grades
Orange Pekoe (OP) is a grade of tea that classifies tea leaves based on their size and shape, rather than their flavor or quality. Other grades include:
- BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): Tea leaves that are smaller and more finely broken compared to OP.
- BOPF (Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings): Even smaller than BOP, consisting of fannings or small fragments of tea leaves.
- F (Fannings): Very small tea leaf fragments that brew quickly.
- D (Dust): Fine particles of tea leaves often used in tea bags.
Grades, But Not a Hierarchy of Quality
Tea grades reflect the size and shape of the leaves, but they do not indicate a hierarchy of quality. Each grade has characteristics that suit different brewing methods and preferences, allowing each grade to be excellent in its specific context.
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