Ceylon Black Tea

1. Pekoe

Pekoe stands out among other tea grades with its classification based on size and quality. Compared to other grades like Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) or Dust, Pekoe boasts longer, more wiry leaves and offers a refined flavor profile. 

Its unique grades, like Flowery Orange Pekoe and Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, showcase delicate floral notes and a touch of luxury, setting it apart as a prized choice for tea enthusiasts.

2. Orange Pekoe (OP)

Orange Pekoe is one of the most well-known grades of Ceylon tea. 

Contrary to what the name suggests, it has nothing to do with orange flavor. The term "pekoe" refers to the youngest and smallest tea leaves on the shoot. 

Orange Pekoe tea consists of long, wiry leaves that are carefully plucked, often with a silver tip or bud, which indicates high quality. It has a rich and bold flavor, with a medium body and a bright, amber liquor.

3. Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP)

This grade represents a higher quality than standard Orange Pekoe. 

It consists of whole tea leaves with a higher proportion of young buds, which impart a delicate and floral flavor. The liquor of Flowery Orange Pekoe is bright and golden.

4. Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP)

In this grade, the tea leaves are broken into smaller pieces during processing. 

BOP is considered a medium-grade tea and is often used in tea bags due to its quick infusion properties. It produces a slightly stronger brew than whole leaf teas.

5. Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings (BOPF)

Fannings are smaller, finer broken tea particles, often used in tea bags and tea sachets. 

Due to the increased surface area, they brew faster and produce a strong and robust cup of tea.

6. Dust

Tea dust is the smallest grade of Ceylon tea, consisting of very fine particles left after processing. It brews rapidly and is commonly used in tea bags, especially for economy teas.

The grades mentioned above primarily pertain to black Ceylon tea, which is the most widely consumed and exported type.