Tea has been admired as a symbol of culture, tradition, and refreshment all over the world. From the multitude of tea houses in Asia to the elegant afternoon tea experiences in England, tea is an indispensable part of societies around the world.
Among the most outstanding and honored types is orange pekoe tea — a word that not only signifies a quality grade of the substance, but also invites an image of fragrant leaves, craftsmanship and a legacy across continents. Join us, as we explore into the history of orange pekoe tea production, its cultural relevance and contemporary uses, as well as the profound impact that reputable suppliers such as Yarra Valley Impex Vic have, on this time-honored beverage.
A Brief History of orange pekoe tea
The tale of orange pekoe tea is a complex tapestry of history and development. “Orange pekoe” originally described a quality of black tea leaves that were harvested in the best season and processed with great care. And while the name might suggest a relation to the fruit orange, it actually comes from the Dutch royal House of Orange, a bloodline that used to be a synonym for superiority and quality in many fields of trade. As the routes for trading tea were established and developed between the East and the West, the classification of tea leaves changed over the years and orange pekoe tea became not only a marker of quality but something unique and a separate experience for flavor and aroma.
Tea as a way of classifying took on a stronger meaning throughout the 19th century, as the British East India Company ascended to prominence. In India and Sri Lanka, tea estates adopted certain grading systems to assure consumers of the premium quality of their products. Orange pekoe tea became a standard by which the finest leaves were measured, a sign that only the young, tender leaves were used. This selection process guaranteed a fine-tuned flavor profile and a well-bodied, exclusively brewed tea that passionate loved. Even today, the legacy of orange pekoe tea is an integral part of the tea industry, representing a dedication to quality and tradition that has endured for generations.
The Journey from Leaf to Cup
Each sip of orange pekoe tea is a journey that begins in the rolling, green tea gardens of Asia. The journey begins with the precise cultivation of Camellia sinensis, the plant from which leaves are processed into the tea we enjoy today. Soil, climate, and cultivation methods have remarkable effects on tea quality. For hundreds of years in celebrated tea-growing regions, farmers have carefully cultivated tea so that only the finest leaves are plucked. While this may allow for quicker, mass production of a product, the spirit of the tea —in addition to adhering to a strict level of quality— is maintained by hand-picking tender leaves.
Final thoughts
The infusion color also is captivating. A properly steeped cup of orange pekoe tea is usually a clear amber color that indicates its quality. This vibrant visual aspect enhances the enjoyment, encouraging tea drinkers to take pleasure in not just the taste, but the artistry involved in the preparation of the tea. Orange pekoe is a more robust tea variety, enjoyed by every region from Asia to Africa and the Americas, and is served as is, or with milk, the sweetener makes it less bitter.
