The Tea Journal

by Tealyra

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Whole black tea leaves with golden tips on a wooden scoop next to a cup of amber orange pekoe tea

Cover story · Black Tea

What Is Orange Pekoe? Black Tea Grades Explained

In short: orange pekoe (OP) is not a flavor and has nothing to do with oranges. It is a grade for whole black tea leaves, used mostly for teas from India and Sri Lanka. Letters added in front, like FOP or TGFOP, mean more buds and golden tips; a "B" means…

· 5 min read

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Starting points for loose leaf — adjust to taste

Green Tea 75–80°C · 2–3 min 167–176°F
Oolong 85–95°C · 3–5 min 185–203°F
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