Orange Pekoe Tea: Everything You Need to Know

black tea leaves in a bowl

Table of Contents

What is Orange Pekoe Tea
History and Origins
Orange Pekoe Tea Grading
Caffeine Content
Benefits of Drinking Orange Pekoe
Steeping Orange Pekoe Tea
Flavor Profile
FAQ
    Are Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe the same?
    Are Orange Pekoe and black tea the same?
    Does orange pekoe have orange in it?
Conclusion

Orange pekoe tea is a black tea that many people get wrong. The name “orange pekoe” doesn’t refer to a flavor or an orange infused tea.

Instead, it’s a grading system in which tea leaves are classified based on their size, quality, and flush. This classification helps to distinguish teas of different qualities so tea lovers can pick the best leaves for their perfect cup.

You can find orange pekoe tea everywhere in the world in loose leaf. It’s for casual drinkers and connoisseurs. In this article we will explore its origin, explain the grading system in detail, describe the flavor profile and provide tips on how to brew it to perfection.

What is Orange Pekoe Tea

Orange pekoe tea is a black tea that stands out for its quality and flavor profile. Black tea ferments during processing which gives it a stronger and richer taste than green tea.

The term “orange pekoe” refers to a grading system that classifies black teas based on the size, quality and flush of the tea leaves. These teas come from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis and tea enthusiasts around the world love them for their full bodied and robust flavor.

Orange pekoe is the lowest grade of loose leaf black tea. It means the tea consists of whole leaves but is the base level in the grading hierarchy. People often drink black teas including orange pekoe in loose leaf which offers convenience without compromising quality.

The flavor of orange pekoe tea is a popular choice among tea enthusiasts who like a smooth yet complex cup. Producers carefully select and grade the leaves to ensure a premium drinking experience.

History and Origins

The term “orange pekoe” has an interesting origin that combines cultural and historical influences. The word “pekoe” is derived from a Chinese phrase that means the fine tea buds covered with white downy hairs.

The word “orange” connects to the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau. This royal family played a big role in popularizing tea across Europe. The Dutch East India Company established trade routes that introduced tea to new markets, India and Sri Lanka. These two countries are still major producers of orange pekoe tea today.

Tea-growing regions created the grading system for black teas including orange pekoe to assess the quality of the tea leaves. Pickers select the leaves and buds from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis to produce the orange pekoe grades.

India and Sri Lanka produce distinct orange pekoe teas. Each has its unique flavor profile influenced by its terroir. The legacy of the Dutch East India Company and the House of Orange-Nassau family still influences the tea world because these historical ties helped shape the global appreciation.

Orange Pekoe Tea Grades

Tea leaves in the palm of a hand

Orange pekoe has several grades based on leaf size, quality, presence of buds or tips, and whether the leaves are whole or broken. The grading system is a way to distinguish between different qualities and types of orange pekoe teas. The main grades used are:

  • OP (Orange Pekoe) – Basic whole leaf grade with medium quality loose leaves.

  • FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe) – Includes younger leaves and some buds, higher quality.

  • GFOP (Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – FOP grade with more golden tips (buds).

  • TGFOP (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – High-quality leaves with many golden tips, delicate flavor.

  • FTGFOP (Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – A finer selection of leaves with a higher proportion of golden tips, indicating superior quality and a more delicate flavor profile.

  • SFTGFOP (Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – The highest grade in the orange pekoe classification, representing exceptional quality with a large number of delicate tips and buds, ensuring a refined tea experience. This grade is a great example of the exceptional quality found in orange pekoe teas.

These different grades provide tea lovers with a range of options to suit their preferences.

There’s also a grading system for broken leaf teas, which are smaller fragments often used for quicker brewing:

  • BP (Broken Pekoe) – Broken leaves that produce a stronger brew.

  • FP (Flowery Pekoe) – Broken leaves with some buds.

  • FBOP (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe) – Broken leaves with flowery buds.

  • GBOP (Golden Broken Orange Pekoe) – Broken leaves with golden tips.

  • GFBOP (Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe) – Broken leaves with many golden tips.

  • TGFBOP (Tippy Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe) – Highest broken leaf grade with many tips.

Now that you know the grades, you can choose teas that match your flavor and quality preferences. Smaller tea particles, known as fannings, are common in some blends; they infuse quickly and can be convenient, though they typically have less nuanced flavor compared to whole leaf teas.

Caffeine Content

Orange pekoe tea has caffeine like all black teas. An 8-ounce cup has 40 to 70 milligrams of caffeine. The grade and brewing method affect the exact amount. This is less than coffee but still gives you alertness and mental performance. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, monitor your intake or choose decaf black tea.

Brewing time and water temperature also affects the caffeine in your cup. Steeping longer increases caffeine but may make the tea taste bitter.

Orange Pekoe Benefits

Drinking orange pekoe tea has many benefits, with added benefits for your health and wellness. It’s perfect for those who want flavor and wellness:

  • Has antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage and inflammation, offering added benefits for your immune system.

  • May lower heart disease and some cancers due to anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Has moderate caffeine to boost energy and cognitive function without the jitters of coffee.

  • Relaxes and reduces stress.

  • Aids digestion and overall well-being.

Steeping Orange Pekoe Tea Leaves

To get the full flavor and aroma of orange pekoe tea, proper steeping is crucial. Follow these steps to brew the perfect cup using loose leaf tea:

  1. Boil Fresh Water
    Use fresh, filtered water and boil it. Ideal temperature is between 200 to 212°F (93 to 100°C), just off the boil.

  2. Measure the Tea
    Use one teaspoon of loose orange pekoe per 8-ounce cup. Adjust to your taste.

  3. Preheat Your Teapot or Cup
    Pour a small amount of hot water into your teapot or cup, swirl it around, then discard. Preheating helps maintain the steeping temperature for optimal extraction.

  4. Add Tea to an Infuser or Teapot
    Put the measured tea into an infuser or directly into your teapot if you prefer loose brewing.

  5. Steep for 3 to 5 Minutes
    Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your taste. Shorter steeping time yields a lighter flavor, longer steeping brings out a stronger flavor but may introduce bitterness.

  6. Remove the Tea
    Once steeping is done, remove the infuser or strain the contents from the teapot immediately to prevent over-extraction.

  7. Serve and Enjoy
    Pour the tea into your cup.

Flavor Profile

Orange Pekoe Black Tea in a white teacup with spoon

Orange pekoe tea has a full-bodied flavor that’s smooth and mellow. It is considered a good example of black tea, known for its richness, inviting aroma, and mild spiciness. Flavor varies depending on the tea leaves’ origin, flush and grade. For example, higher grades have a more delicate and subtle taste, often with floral and honey notes. Lower grades lack these complex flavors and taste astringent or flat.

Brewing method also affects the flavor profile. Some methods bring out the tea’s natural fruity undertones or subtle floral aromas. Overall, orange pekoe is a complex and satisfying cup for both casual and connoisseur tea drinkers.

FAQ

Is Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe the same?

No, Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe are not the same. Earl Grey is a type of black tea flavored with bergamot oil from the orange, giving it a citrus scent and taste. Orange Pekoe is not a flavor but a grade classification for black tea leaves based on size and quality.

Is Orange Pekoe black tea?

Orange Pekoe is a grade within black tea. So all orange pekoe teas are black teas but not all black teas are orange pekoe.

Does orange pekoe have orange in it?

Orange pekoe tea does not have orange fruit or flavoring. The term “orange” comes from the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau and has nothing to do with the citrus fruit.

Conclusion

Orange pekoe is the ultimate of the tradition and grading that makes black tea an art form. The Dutch House of Orange-Nassau and the Dutch East India Company were part of its history. This is more than just a drink – it’s a cultural experience that spans continents from Asia to Europe.

Understanding the grading system allows tea lovers to choose the best quality that suits their taste and expectation.

Whether you prefer tea bags or loose leaf, it has a robust flavor profile with moderate caffeine. It’s a versatile for any time of day.

Its health benefits, antioxidants and digestive support adds to the appeal. By following the steeping instructions, you can get the perfect cup, highlighting the tea’s flavors and aromas. For tea enthusiasts, exploring the different grades and origins is a journey worth taking. It’s tradition, quality and taste in every cup, loved worldwide.

Ready to try it out yourself? Visit our online store today and browse our selection of premium orange pekoe teas and order with ease.