Understand the Label: Black Tea Classification Standard

When you see letters like FTGFOP, FOP, or BOP on black tea packages, it’s easy to feel confused. What do they mean? Let’s dive into their meanings and the fascinating world of black tea classification.

1. Full Loose Leaf Classification

This category covers whole, unbroken tea leaves, often regarded as higher quality due to their flavor and appearance.

P - Pekoe

• Definition: Refers to the central tea leaf bud.

• Origin: The term "Pekoe" originates from the Hokkien word "Peh-Ho," meaning leaf bud. It was first used by the Dutch in 1605 when black tea was introduced to Europe and later adopted by the English during their trade.

OP - Orange Pekoe

• Definition: Full-grown tea leaves without buds.

• Details: The most common classification. "Orange" doesn’t refer to flavor or color but to the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau, symbolizing quality and elegance.

FOP - Flowery Orange Pekoe

• Definition: Tea leaves with tender buds picked before they mature.

• Details: FOP leaves produce a lighter and fresher tea flavor.

GFOP - Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

• Definition: Tea leaves with more golden tips than FOP, signifying tender, high-quality buds.

TGFOP - Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

• Definition: Tea leaves with a higher quantity of golden buds than GFOP.

• Details: Represents an even finer selection of tea leaves.

FTGFOP - Fine/Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

• Definition: Premium-quality tea leaves with more than 25% buds.

• Trivia: Sometimes humorously referred to as "Far Too Good For Ordinary People."

SFTGFOP - Super/Special Fine/Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

• Definition: The highest classification level for black tea, representing exceptional quality and rarity.

• Details: Usually hand-rolled and free from machine processing.

2. Broken Leaf Classification

Broken leaves are smaller fragments left after full loose leaves are selected.

• BPS - Broken Pekoe Souchong

• BP - Broken Pekoe

• BOP - Broken Orange Pekoe

• FBOP - Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe

• GBOP - Golden Broken Orange Pekoe

• GFBOP - Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe

• TGFBOP - Tippy Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe

3. Fanning and Dust Leaf Classification

These are fine particles often used in tea bags.

• PF - Pekoe Fannings

• OF - Orange Fannings

• BOPF - Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings

• FOF - Flowery Orange Fannings

• GFOF - Golden Flowery Orange Fannings

• TGFOF - Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Fannings

• D1 - Dust 1

• PD - Pekoe Dust

• PD1 - Pekoe Dust 1

4. Regional Considerations

Not all tea-producing regions can achieve every classification level. For example:

• Ceylon Tea: FOP is the highest grade achievable.

• Darjeeling and Assam: TGFOP is considered premium for full loose leaves, and BPS is more common than BP in broken leaves.

5. CTC Method (Crush, Tear, Curl)

CTC is a production method where tea leaves are machine-processed into small balls. It’s commonly used for producing broken and powdered teas.

Key Takeaways

While classification standards reflect the quality of tea, they don’t necessarily indicate flavor. From full loose leaves to fine dust, each category serves different preferences and purposes. Understanding these classifications can help you choose the perfect tea to suit your taste and needs.