Tea Grades and Their Qualities
At Tea Harmony, we are committed to introducing you to the fascinating world of exceptional teas. Understanding tea grades allows you to better appreciate the subtleties of its flavors and qualities. These grades vary depending on the fineness of the picking and the size of the leaves, whether they are whole, broken or crushed. Here is a guide to help you find your way among these classifications.
Whole Leaf Teas
The harvesting of whole leaves is distinguished by its delicacy and the attention paid to the moment of harvest.
FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe)
This grade represents one of the finest harvests. Composed of the terminal bud and the first two leaves, it often contains golden buds called golden tips. These teas offer subtle and complex notes, ideal for lovers of finesse.
OP (Orange Pekoe)
The leaves are young, well rolled, and the harvest, a little later than for the FOP, no longer contains buds. This grade is suitable for mild and balanced infusions.
P. (Pekoe)
A notch below OP, the leaves are a little more mature and do not contain buds. These teas are often more robust in taste.
S. (Souchong)
This grade corresponds to the largest and oldest leaves, low in theine. Often used for smoked teas, they offer an infusion with deep and comforting aromas.
Broken Leaf Teas
The leaves are broken to intensify the flavors. The infusions from these grades are more full-bodied and more colorful.
- BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) : Broken leaves with intense flavors.
- GBOP (Golden Broken Orange Pekoe) : A version enriched with golden buds.
- TGBOP (Tippy Golden Broken Orange Pekoe) : This grade contains more buds for a balance between strength and elegance.
Crushed Leaf Teas
Ground tea grades are typically used for strong infusions, often intended for tea bags.
- Fannings : Flat pieces smaller than the broken leaves, providing a full-bodied liquor.
- Dust : Fine powder resulting from grinding, used exclusively for quick-infusing tea bags.
Exceptional Grades in India
In India, grades reflect extreme care taken in the harvest and quality of teas. These designations are mainly used for high-end black teas, such as Darjeeling or Assam.
- GFOP (Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) : FOP with a notable proportion of golden buds.
- TGFOP (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) : A version even richer in golden buds.
- FTGFOP (Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) : Remarkable quality, ideal for fine wines.
- SFTGFOP (Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) : Exceptional grade reserved for the finest spring teas, with unrivaled aroma and taste.
Our Commitments At Tea Harmony
At Tea Harmony , we are committed to providing you with an unparalleled tasting experience, no matter what tea or grade you choose.
With our innovative Solo Tea product, each infusion transcribes the taste of the tea with exceptional precision, perfectly respecting the subtleties and nuances specific to each grade. Whether you are enjoying a refined tea with golden buds or a more full-bodied infusion, Solo Tea guarantees perfect control of time and temperature, to reveal all the richness of this age-old beverage.
Let Solo Tea enhance each cup for a unique, authentic, and uncompromising experience.
