|
Tea Grades
There are two main types of tea. They are Orthodox and CTC. Orthodox teas are crushed, fermented and fire dried. They preserve the aroma of the tea as it is supposed to be. CTC teas are cut, torn, curled and fermented. By this process the cells of the tea leaf are ruptured so that tea brews quickly. However, it does not preserve the aroma of the leaf.
Ceylon produces mainly orthodox tea. There is a limited amount of CTC tea also produced in Ceylon.
TOP
There are many tea grades in Ceylon Tea. A list of these grades is as flows.
Orthodox Teas
| OPA |
– |
Orange Pekoe A – Wiry long leaf |
| OP |
– |
Orange Pekoe – Same Style but small than OPA |
| OP1 |
– |
Orange Pekoe One – More Wiry than OP |
| BOP1 |
– |
Broken Orange Pekoe one – Wiry and small than OP1Pekoe |
| Pekoe 01 |
– |
Same style, but small in size than the Pekoe |
| |
|
|
| BOP |
– |
Broken Orange Pekoe (Little large than the FNGS) |
| BOPF |
– |
Broken Orange Pekoe FNGS |
| FBOP |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe |
| FBOP1 |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe one (Little small than the FBOP) |
| FBOPF |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning’s (Similar to the BOP leaf but firm leaf) |
| FBOPF1 |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning’s one – (Similar to the BOPF but firm leaf) |
| FBOPFSP |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning’s Special (Similar to the FBOPF1 but few tips so price is high) |
| FBOPFEXSP |
– |
Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning’s Extra Special – more tips so expensive than the FBOPFSP |
TOP
CTC Teas
| PF1 |
– |
Pekoe Fanning’s 01 – Very Strong in Liquor |
| BP1 |
– |
Broken Pekoe 01 – Little large than PF1 |
| BPS |
– |
Broken Pekoe Special – Large in size, similar to the pepper in size and very small quantity produced. |
In low grown region these grades are well made, black in leaf appearance, and very thick and strong in liquor.
In high grown little brown in leaf appearance but have good aromatic and bright liquor.
TOP
Green Teas
| CH |
– |
Chummee – Strong in liquor |
| GP1 |
– |
Gunpowder 1 – Little strong in liquor |
| GP SP |
– |
Gun Powder Special – very strong in liquor |
| YH |
– |
Young Hyson – Plain and aromatic flavor |
| GTFF |
– |
Green Tea Flowery Fanning’s (Tea type which we are using at the moment for FNGS blend) – A GOOD TASTE |
TOP
Tea Growing Regions
Dimbula – One of the earliest areas to be planted after tea took over from coffee in the 1870’s. Dimbula is perhaps the most famous name associated with Ceylon tea. The Plantation located at 3500 to 5500 feet above sea level, cover the western slopes of district. The monsoon rains and the cold dry weather produce a range of tea, from full bodied to light and delicate.
Nuwara Eliya - The fragrance of cypress trees and the menthol of wild mint and eucalyptus float through the air and contribute to the teas characteristic flavor. Recognized by tea connoisseurs, it has been said that Nuwara Eliya, at 6,240 feet above sea level, is to Ceylon Tea what Champagne is to French wine. Brewed light, it makes for a very smooth cup of tea that can also be iced for a refreshing difference.
Uda Pussellawa – Located east of Nuwara Eliya, the tea grown on the Uda Pussellawa mountain range experiences two period of superior quality. The traditional eastern quality season from July to September is the peak but the dry, cold conditions of the first quarter of the year yield a range of rosy teas. Of medium body and subtle character these teas produce a majestic flavor.
Uva – Grown at an elevation between 3000 to 5000 feet above sea level, on the eastern slopes of Sri Lanka’s Central mountains. The Uva teas have a truly unique flavor. These teas are commonly used in many different blends but, with their different characteristic, they can also be enjoyed on their own.
TOP |