Page 15 - Preparation of Tea Brochure

The derivation of “Orange” in Orange Pekoe is much less de nitive. Its origins are traceable to the color of the rolled leaves during processing, the use of orange blossoms to scent tea, or to the early Dutch traders desire to link these teas to nobility (the House of Orange).
Today, Orange Pekoe simply denotes a size of the tea leaf. Orange Pekoe has nothing to do with the avor or quality of tea. The Pekoe, Souchong, Broken Orange Fannings and Fines (Dust) designations are similarly used to indicate size of the Black tea leaf.
A brief description of the primary grades follows:
1.Orange Pekoe: Long, thin, wiry leaves which sometimes contain the white or yellow tip of the ower bud. The liquors are generally pale in color.
2.Pekoe: the leaves of this grade are shorter and not so wiry as Orange Pekoe and the liquors generally have more color.
3.Souchong: A bold and round leaf, with pale liquors.
4.Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP): Smaller than the leaf grades. The liquors have good color
and strength in the cup and are the mainstay of a blend.
5.Broken Pekoe (BP): Slightly larger than Broken Orange Pekoe with rather less color in the cup; useful as a ller in a blend.
6.Broken Pekoe Souchong: A little larger or bolder than broken pekoe and in consequence lighter in the cup. It is also used as a ller.
7.Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning (BOPF): Much smaller than Broken Orange Pekoe and its main virtues are quick brewing with good color in the cup.
8.Fines (dust): This is the name for the smallest grade produced. Very useful for a quick brewing, strong cup of tea.
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