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If you’re a tea lover or even a casual sipper, you may have come across the term “Orange Pekoe” and wondered what it really means. Is it a type of tea? A flavour? A brand? Let’s dive into the world of tea and demystify this intriguing tea term.
What is Orange Pekoe?
First things first, Orange Pekoe is not a flavour of tea, nor does it have anything to do with oranges! Instead, it’s a classification used to grade the size and quality of tea leaves.
The Origin of the Name
The term “Pekoe” comes from the Chinese word “pak-ho” (白毫), referring to the white downy hairs on the young tea leaves. “Orange” is believed to be a reference to the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau, possibly indicating a royal stamp of quality.
Understanding Tea Leaf Grading
Tea leaves are graded based on their size and condition, which affects their flavour and quality. Here’s a quick rundown of the grades within black teas:
- note – grading terms actually vary depending on the tea region, this is one system of naming them :
- Orange Pekoe (OP): This is a larger leaf, the second from the top of the plant.
- Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP)a smaller leaf found at the top of the tea plant, which are the young leaf buds.
- Pekoe : A small less wirey leaf, typically picked with the leaves above, and often used in breakfast blends.
- Peko Souchong : A bigger leaf further down the plant
- Souchong : A very large leaf, used for teas such as lapsang souchong. It can withstand lots of rolling and gives a full flavour.
Each of these grades indicates not only the size and appearance of the leaves but also their potential flavour profile and aroma.
What to Expect from Orange Pekoe Tea
Orange Pekoe teas are typically used in black teas, although we have some green teas that use them too. They are known for their smooth, rich flavour and a balanced astringency, making them a favorite for many tea drinkers. The flavour varies depending on the region where the tea is grown, the specific processing methods, and the grade of the leaves.
When you brew a cup of Orange Pekoe tea, you can expect a robust and full-bodied flavor, often with subtle hints of malt or fruitiness. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed plain, with a splash of milk, or sweetened with a bit of honey.
Explore Orange Pekoe Teas with Us
We have several Orange Pekoe teas for you to try and enjoy. We quite often use ” OP ” in the name of a tea to indicate it is an Orange Pekoe tea. Many of our blends also use these leaves to give a good full flavour too!
Ceylon Sarnia OP :
A wonderfully full leaf and full bodied malty tea from Sri Lanka. A great example of everything an OP tea should be.
Rwanda Rukeri OP Organic :
An interesting black tea from a tea garden founded 50 years ago in Rwanda, Africa. The long wirey leaves brew to reveal a robust cup of tea. This tea has an interesting character and we recommend trying it if you want to broaden your tea horizons.
China Keemun OP Organic :
A classic from the home of tea, China. Organically produced and fabulous on its own, but with enough strength to be enjoyed with milk.
Conclusion
Orange Pekoe is a term that signifies quality and classification rather than flavour or brand. By understanding the grading system, you can better appreciate the variety and richness that these teas offer. Next time you see a tea labelled as Orange Pekoe, you’ll know that it’s a mark of quality and craftsmanship, ready to provide you with a delightful tea-drinking experience.
Happy sipping!
