CTC Tea Grades Explained: BOP, BP, OF, PD, and Dust
By Swachh Tea | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Tips & Care
Understand what BOP, BP, OF, PD, and Dust mean in CTC tea grades. Learn how each grade affects flavor, strength, and brewing to choose the right tea for your cup.
Quick answer
CTC tea grades (BOP, BP, OF, PD, Dust) describe the size and shape of the tea leaf particles, which directly affect brewing speed, flavor strength, and color. Finer grades like Dust brew faster and stronger, while larger grades like BOP and BP offer more nuanced flavor.
Why grade matters for your brew
The grade determines how quickly the tea infuses. Larger leaves require longer steeping but yield a lighter, more aromatic cup. Smaller particles brew almost instantly and produce a dark, strong liquor with more body and astringency. Your choice depends on whether you want a delicate morning cup or a robust chai base.
CTC tea grades explained
- What is BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) in CTC tea?
- BOP is a medium-sized leaf particle. It brews a balanced cup with moderate strength and a rounded flavor, making it a popular all-purpose grade for daily drinking.
- What does BP (Broken Pekoe) mean?
- BP is slightly smaller than BOP. It produces a stronger brew with more color and body, often used in masala chai or when you want a bolder morning cup.
- What is OF (Orange Fannings)?
- OF is a fine particle grade that brews quickly and yields a dark liquor with a strong, brisk flavor. It is a common base for many bagged tea blends.
- What does PD (Pekoe Dust) mean?
- PD is a very fine grade, smaller than OF. It infuses almost instantly, producing a deep, intense cup. It is often used in commercial chai blends for its speed and strength.
- What is Dust tea?
- Dust is the smallest particle grade. It brews extremely fast and creates a very strong, dark, and astringent liquor. It is the most economical grade and is common in tea bags and roadside chai. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a larger grade like BOP or BP. For quick, strong tea, choose PD or Dust.
Product facts
- All single grade CTC tea sample pack-BOP,BOPsm,BP,OF,PD and Dust: This sample pack includes six single-grade CTC teas: BOP, BOPsm, BP, OF, PD, and Dust. It lets you compare the flavor and strength of each grade side by side without committing to a full bag, helping you identify your preferred grade for everyday drinking or blending.
All single grade CTC tea sample pack-BOP,BOPsm,BP,OF,PD and Dust
