Do you have something similar to "Orange Pekoe"...

Today we're going to discuss Black Tea...

I consider this a staple in my house, The Black Tea always feels like a great strong substitute in the morning to a cuppa coffee.  I often get the question of "What's like Orange Pekoe" or something "along the lines of a 'Plain Black Tea'"

These questions/comments are so common I figured I'd touch base on a few basics of Black Tea.

D – Dust

F- Fannings

OP – Orange Pekoe

BFOP – Broken Flowery Orange Pekoe

TGFOF – Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Fannings

FTGFOP – Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe

Irish Breakfast - 1031/1032

Now, if you notice here, the "Orange Pekoe" doesn't show you the flavours, it's actually part of the Tea Leaf Grading System.  Similar to not finding a California Roll in a Sushi Restaurant in Japan, you won’t find the Chinese aware of the "Orange Pekoe" grading as it's used more in Sri Lanka, India and more Western Cultures.

All our Teas, with Steeped Tea are graded at high quality & levels and come from some amazing Farms around the world. When someone asks me about "Orange Pekoe" I always confirm they are referring to a Lipton's Red Rose or Twinnings Orange Pekoe, That being said we have two.  Our Irish Breakfast & English Breakfast are the perfect “Plain Black Teas.  Irish Breakfast is a popular tea and is full bodied and loved by tea drinkers everywhere.  English Breakfast is a classic breakfast tea is fresh, full and flavorful. Traditionally served with milk.

Mango Blossom - 1401/1402

Brewing your Black Tea

The rule of thumb when brewing black tea is a teaspoon of leaves per 8oz cup of water. Individual tea cups or larger teapots are both easily used. Boiling water and brew times of 3 to 5 minutes are fairly standard. Darjeeling teas are sometimes brewed a bit lower, with water around 195 degrees. The longer a black tea is steeped the more bitter it will taste. This is because hot water triggers the release of tannins. This causes the same dry, mouth puckering feeling you might get from a strong red wine. Milk and sugar are of course optional.

Egg Noggin' Black Tea Ornament

Now – Would you like to try something a little different to your “Plain Black Tea”, What about some flavours.  By adding a fruit oil or flower essence the flavour of your tea will change.  We have many blends of Black Tea, some specific to the Holidays, some for everyday enjoyment.  What about a Mango Blossom Black Tea – Mango and orange blossom in your cup with soft floral notes in a bold fruity blend sure to lighten any afternoon tea.  

Looking for something for the Holidays? A delightful treat without all the Calories – Our Egg Noggin’ tea is one to savor the sweet flavor of this traditional drink without worrying about the calories.

Hope you enjoyed a little run down on Black Tea...If you have any questions or would like more information on our Blends please contact me directly, send a message on facebook (www.facebook.com/teabyashi) or comment below.