Orange Pekoe 940: An In-Depth Guide

Understanding Orange Pekoe

Orange Pekoe (OP) refers to a grade of black tea. It's not about the flavor or the use of oranges. Instead, it signifies a specific leaf size and appearance. OP teas consist of whole tea leaves that are carefully harvested and processed to retain their shape.

Key characteristics of Orange Pekoe teas:

• Made of young top leaves of the plant

• Consist of wiry, slightly curled leaves

• Create a coppery color infusion

• Distinct, consistent flavor profile

The Grading System

The grading of black tea is based on leaf size and appearance, with Orange Pekoe being a primary grade. Here's a brief overview of common black tea grades:

1. OP (Orange Pekoe): Whole leaf tea.

2. OP1: A slightly higher grade than OP with more delicate leaves.

3. FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe): High-quality OP with young, tender leaves (tips).

4. GFOP (Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe): FOP with golden tips, indicating a very high quality.

5. TGFOP (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe): The highest grade, with an abundance of golden tips.

6. BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): Smaller, broken leaves, infusing faster and producing a stronger brew. Considered inferior to the whole leaf grades.

7. Fannings: Even smaller particles than BOP, often used in tea bags.

8. Dust: The smallest particles, also primarily used in tea bags.

Advantages of Orange Pekoe

Compared to broken leaf grades (BOP, Fannings, Dust), Orange Pekoe offers a more nuanced and refined flavor profile. The whole leaves release their flavors more slowly, resulting in a smoother, less bitter cup of tea. Whole leaves also retain more of their essential oils and antioxidants, potentially offering greater health benefits.

Introducing Orange Pekoe 940

Orange Pekoe 940 is a unique blend that combines the classic characteristics of Orange Pekoe black tea with the subtle additions of green tea and cornflowers. This blend offers a distinctive flavor experience, creating a moody and malty flavor with hints of oak.

Ingredients: Black Tea, Green Tea, Cornflowers

5 Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

• Antibacterial: Black tea contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

• Enhances Focus: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea can improve focus and alertness without the jitters associated with coffee.

• Reduces Cardiovascular Risks: Studies have shown that regular black tea consumption may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Antioxidant: Black tea is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against damage from free radicals.

• Supports Digestion: Black tea can promote healthy digestion by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.