Ceylon Black Tea Grades

Ceylon Tea as we now know comes in different varieties, which has flavors and aromas unique to itself. Along with the a variety of teas, there are varieties of grades that Ceylon tea has been separated into.

Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning Extra Special

"Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning Extra Special" (FBOPFEXSP) is a classification of tea that denotes a high-quality grade, particularly in the context of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea production. Let's break down what each part of the term means:

Flowery: This indicates that the tea contains young, tender tea leaves with a high proportion of tips (leaf buds), which often contribute to a smoother, more delicate flavor profile.

Broken: This refers to the processing method where the tea leaves are intentionally broken or torn during production. Broken leaves tend to brew faster and release more flavor compared to whole leaves.

Orange Pekoe: Despite the name, "Orange Pekoe" doesn't actually have anything to do with oranges. It's a grade of black tea based on the size and quality of the tea leaves. Orange Pekoe typically consists of larger, more intact leaves compared to broken grades.

Fanning: Fannings are smaller leaf particles that are smaller than broken leaves but larger than dust. They brew quickly and are commonly used in tea bags.

Extra Special: This is an additional descriptor indicating a higher grade or quality within the FBOPF category. It suggests that the tea has exceptional characteristics, such as flavor, aroma, or appearance.

【Text by Lakpura™. Images by Google, copyright(s) reserved by original authors.】