Orange Pekoe Black Tea

Orange Pekoe - not a flavour - is a leaf grade used in orthodox black-tea making.

Narrow, wiry leaves (not fannings or dust) with little breakage are considered OP. The bigger leaf size usually yields a clear, balanced cup with low bitterness that lets regional character shine through: brisk & citrusy from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), round & malty from Assam or softer & honeyed from areas of China.

In a good OP, a copper-amber cup pours clean and refreshing - an everyday black tea that can be brewed almost any style. Take it neat for a lively, food-friendly cup; add some milk to soften maltier lots; Or try a slice of lemon for a Ceylon-ish brightness.

It's forgiving because OP is whole-leaf: Longer steeps stay light & fragrant; Adding a minute longer gives deeper body without being harsh. For a tidy, reliable, classically satisfying straight black tea, Orange Pekoe is the benchmark.

Read more about Orange Pekoe tea and it's grading here

organically grown Sri Lanka

Flavour and Aroma

Aroma: Gentle malt, light toast, dried citrus peel & honeyed grain.

Taste: Clean malt, slight stone fruit/citrus lift; tidy, refreshing finish.

Body: medium, smooth

Bitterness/astringency: low-moderate; Stay 'friendly'just off the boil.

Ingredients

Black tea 100% (Camellia Sinensis) No added flavours.

Caffeine level

Medium (typically black tea;); Strength is related to steep time).

How to brew

Western style (mug/pot)

2-3 g/1 level tsp per 250 mL.

95 degC water

2-3 minutes, then taste

Re-steep: 1-2 times; Add 45-60 sec per round.

Gongfu style (gaiwan/teapot)

7 to 10 g per 100-120 ml.

95 degC water

The first infusion should be 10-15 sec; gradually extend gradually over 5-7 rounds.

Iced / cold brew

5-8 g/L cold filtered water.

Refrigerate 6-8 hrs; strain (for a clean, bright iced black tea).

When to drink

Morning to late afternoon breakfast foods, sandwiches and lightly sweet biscuits are all good with this spice. Great as a light, palate cleansing afternoon cup.

Health benefits

Tea polyphenols (incl. theaflavins) contribute antioxidant activity typical of black tea. ScienceDirect

Blood-pressure support (modest): RCTs and meta-analyses report small improvements in BP metrics with regular black-tea intake. American Journal of Clinical NutritionRSC Publishing

Heart health (observational): Higher tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease in dose–response analyses. Frontiers

Calm focus: Tea’s theanine–caffeine combo is linked with short-term improvements in attention and alertness in RCTs. Oxford Academic

(General information only; not medical advice.)

Health-related notes (general)

Sensitivity varies - start with shorter steeps and adjust. Enjoy as a part of a healthy diet and regular hydration.

Cautionary

Caffeine - avoid at night if you are sensitive!

Tea may decrease non-HAEm iron absorption; Separate from iron-rich meals/supplements for 1-2 hours.

If reflux-prone, short steeps are gentler.

Unusual symptoms should be discontinued. Keep out of reach of kids.

Storage and Shelf life

Store airtight, cool dark and dry, away from strong odours. Aroma should be at its peak 18-24 months after opening.

Quick FAQs

What flavour is Orange?
No-OP has no citrus flavour and is a leaf grade tea.

Milk or lemon?
Either milk or lemon for maltier lots (never use both together).

OP differs from BOP in what way?
OP uses whole leaf; cup is cleaner, smoother; OP uses whole leaf. BOP steeps faster & stronger.

 

Orange Pekoe Black Tea: FAQ.