You’ve probably heard some of the many pieces of terminology and jargon associated with tea, and you might be wondering what it all means – whether orange pekoe means the tea is orange flavoured, or what the difference between a first flush and second flush Darjeeling is. We’ve demystified some of the most popular pieces of tea terminology below so you can understand tea like a pro!

Single Origin

Single origin” means the tea comes from one specific place, like a particular farm or region. It’s not mixed with tea from other places, like in a blend such as Australian breakfast tea. This can give the tea a unique taste that reflects where it’s grown.

Organic

‘’Organic” means the tea is grown without using artificial chemicals like pesticides or fertilisers. It’s a natural way of farming that eliminates the chance of pesticide residues remaining on the tea leaves.

Ethically Sourced

“Ethically sourced” means the tea is obtained in a way that treats workers, communities, and the environment fairly and responsibly.

Orange Pekoe

Orange Pekoe” is a term used in tea grading to describe a specific size and quality of tea leaf. Contrary to popular belief, it does not refer to the flavour, aroma, or colour of the tea. Instead, “Orange Pekoe” denotes a grade of whole leaf black tea made from the top two leaves and the bud of the tea plant.

These leaves are typically larger and less broken than lower grades of tea, resulting in a smoother and more nuanced flavour profile. “Orange Pekoe” is often associated with high-quality black teas from regions such as India & Sri Lanka.

FOP

“FOP” stands for “Flowery Orange Pekoe.” In tea grading, it denotes a high-quality grade of whole leaf tea, typically made from the youngest tea leaves and buds on the tea plant. The term “flowery” refers to the presence of young tea buds, which often have a floral aroma. FOP teas are prized for their delicate flavour, aromatic qualities, and attractive appearance.

Tannins

Tannins are natural compounds found in tea leaves, as well as in other plants like grapes and certain fruits. In tea, tannins contribute to the flavour and texture of the drink. They can make tea taste slightly bitter or astringent, similar to the way strong coffee or red wine can feel a bit dry in your mouth after you drink them.

Tannins also give tea its characteristic amber colour. While some people enjoy the astringent taste of tannins, others prefer teas with lower tannin levels for a smoother flavour.

Tisane

A “tisane” is just another word for herbal or fruit tea. It’s made by steeping herbs, flowers, or spices in hot water, instead of tea leaves from the tea plant. Tisanes are caffeine-free and often enjoyed for their flavours and potential health benefits.

First Flush

“First flush” simply refers to the very first picking of tea leaves after the winter season. It’s like the first harvest of the year for tea plants. These early leaves are prized for their fresh and delicate flavours, making them highly valued by tea enthusiasts.

Second Flush

“Second flush” refers to the second harvest of tea leaves in a season. After the first harvest, the tea plants grow new leaves, which are picked later. Second flush teas have stronger flavours and richer colours compared to the first flush.

SFTGFOP

This tongue twister stands for “Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe.” This grading system is used to denote high-quality whole leaf black teas with a high proportion of golden tips, indicating a premium flavour and aroma.

Teas labelled as SFTGFOP are often considered to be among the finest and most sought-after teas available.

Now that you're familiar with the Tea world's lingo, you can confidently navigate your way through our range of over 160 teas from across the globe.