Orange Pekoe (OP) is one of the most traded Ceylon tea grades globally. This guide explains what OP grade means, how it differs from BOP and BOPF, and what buyers should look for when sourcing Ceylon black tea in bulk.
Ceylon Black Tea OP Grade: A Complete Guide for Buyers
Ceylon black tea is traded in a range of orthodox grades, each defined by leaf size, appearance, and cup character. Orange Pekoe (OP) sits at the premium end of the orthodox grading system and is one of the most recognised grades by international tea buyers.
Understanding Ceylon Tea Grades
Ceylon orthodox tea grades are defined by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and internationally recognised. The main grades from largest to smallest leaf:
| Grade | Leaf Size | Cup Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OP (Orange Pekoe) | Long wiry leaf, 8–15mm | Bright, golden liquor, medium body | Loose leaf retail, specialty |
| BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) | Medium broken, 2–4mm | Strong, full-bodied, faster brew | Tea bags, foodservice |
| BOPF (BOP Fannings) | Fine fannings, 1–2mm | Very strong, quick infusion | Standard tea bags, mass retail |
| Dust No.1 | Very fine | Instant strength | Industrial tea bags |
What Makes Ceylon OP Premium?
OP grade requires skilled hand plucking of a longer leaf with the bud. The extended withering and rolling process develops complexity. Buyers value Ceylon OP for its visual appeal in loose leaf retail — the long, wiry, golden-tipped leaves present beautifully in transparent packaging.
High-Grown vs Low-Grown Ceylon OP
The elevation where tea is grown significantly affects flavour:
- High-grown (Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva, >4,000 ft): Delicate, floral, with distinctive brightness. Commands the highest premiums. Uva season (July–September) and Dimbula season (January–March) are the best quality windows.
- Mid-grown (Kandy, 2,000–4,000 ft): Full-bodied, well-rounded. Good value for blending.
- Low-grown (Galle, Ratnapura, <2,000 ft): Dark, bold liquor. High yield, lower price. Suited for CTC-style blending applications.
Buying OP Grade in Bulk
Ceylon OP is sold at the Colombo Tea Auction (held weekly, one of the largest in the world) or directly from estate exporters. Direct purchase from an exporter bypasses auction premiums and allows for specification sourcing — elevation, estate, season, and flush preferences.
Ceylon Aroma exports OP, BOP, and BOPF grades in bulk (25 kg multi-wall bags) and private label formats. Contact us for current season availability and pricing.