Orange Pekoe is a type of tea based on the origin of the leaf, which is Western & South Asia. It is the highest grade of black tea & consists of dark long leaves. The brew is light in color & has a mellow mild flavour, which suits those with a refined palate. The Dutch royal family was called the House of Orange & the best of the black teas was reserved for them. When this tea was introduced to the laypeople, it came to be known as Orange Pekoe.
There are different grades of Orange Pekoe. Different variations include a mix of flowers, tips & buds of the tea plant, resulting in the superior qualities, of Orange Pekoe Tea.
is the main grade. It consists of long wiry leaves. The tips are not used in this type. This type has 3 more categories. OP1 which is more delicate than OP. OPA, which is bolder than OP and OPS being superior OP
is long leaves with buds. FOP is made up of large leaves, which are plucked in the second or third flush. It has a lot of tips.
First flush tea contains more caffeine, nutrients and antioxidants. Second flush tea leaves generally have less time to grow.
is of distinguished quality one of the finest grades of Pekoe. It's characterized by a malty and strong character. The abbreviation FTGFOP can also means, Far Too Good For Ordinary People hinting that, it's meant for a select few!
is called 'Tippy', because it contains the highest amount of tips. The ' Golden Flowery' denotes, the very young golden tips or buds that are picked, early in the season.
