Do Brits Drink Orange Pekoe? The Surprising Truth About UK Tea

Over half of UK consumers prefer English Breakfast tea, but many would not recognise Orange Pekoe by name. The question 'Do Brits drink Orange Pekoe?' reveals a common misconception, as Orange Pekoe describes a leaf's size and quality, not a flavour, and is distinct from the everyday tea blends they consume.

Quick Summary

Most Brits prefer robust black tea blends found in teabags, like English Breakfast, often with milk. Orange Pekoe is a tea leaf grading system used for specific loose-leaf black teas, not the typical daily brew for the majority.

Key Points

• Orange Pekoe is a grade, not a flavour: The term refers to the size and quality of a whole black tea leaf, not an orange-flavoured blend.

• Brits prefer black tea blends: The average Brit drinks robust black tea blends, like English Breakfast, often from teabags, with milk.

• 'Builder's tea' is the standard: The most common brew, often made with popular brands like Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips, is known as a strong, milky 'builder's tea'.

• Orange Pekoe and English Breakfast are different: While English Breakfast can contain Orange Pekoe grade leaves, the former is a blend, while the latter is a leaf size classification.

• Regional confusion exists: The term 'Orange Pekoe' is more commonly used in Canada to denote a standard blend, unlike in the UK where the term is less known by the general public.

• Loose-leaf is a niche market: High-quality loose-leaf teas, including Orange Pekoe, are enjoyed by tea enthusiasts but do not represent the bulk of UK tea consumption.

• Origin is historical, not flavour-related: The 'Orange' in Orange Pekoe likely refers to the Dutch Royal House of Orange, not the fruit.

Understanding the Term 'Orange Pekoe'

To answer whether Brits drink Orange Pekoe, it's essential to first clarify what the term actually means. Contrary to popular belief, Orange Pekoe does not indicate an orange-flavoured tea. Instead, it refers to a grading system for black tea based on the size and quality of the leaf. The grade is typically used for teas from India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and Africa, but not for Chinese teas.

The name's origin is quite distinct from its flavour. 'Pekoe' comes from the Chinese term for 'white down,' referencing the fine hairs on the youngest tea leaves. 'Orange' is believed to be an homage to the Dutch Royal House of Orange-Nassau, who were prominent tea traders. Orange Pekoe (OP) specifically denotes a whole, large-leaf tea. Higher grades, such as Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP), include more of the bud and are considered finer.

The Real Favourite: Builder's Brew and English Breakfast

The average British tea drinker's preference is far simpler and more robust than a delicate loose-leaf Orange Pekoe. The daily staple is what is affectionately known as 'builder's tea': a strong, inexpensive black tea blend, typically made with a tea bag, and consumed with milk and often sugar. The most popular brands are household names such as PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea, and Tetley. These blends are specifically formulated to produce a powerful flavour that can stand up to the addition of milk.

English Breakfast tea is another ubiquitous blend, comprised of teas from regions like Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya. While it may contain some Orange Pekoe grade leaves, the term 'English Breakfast' describes the blend's robust and full-bodied flavour profile, not a specific leaf grade. This distinction is key: most Brits drink tea defined by its blend, not its leaf grade. In fact, most tea consumed in the UK comes in teabags, which contain smaller, more broken tea particles (fannings) for quick brewing, a far cry from the whole leaves of Orange Pekoe.

Why the Confusion?

Misconceptions about Orange Pekoe and British tea culture likely stem from several sources:

• Marketing: Some blends might be marketed using the term 'Orange Pekoe' as a mark of quality, though the actual contents are likely a blend of various grades.
• North American Influence: In Canada, for instance, 'Orange Pekoe' is commonly used to describe a standard black tea blend. This regional difference in terminology can cause confusion for people from outside the UK.
• Historic Association: Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), a key source for Orange Pekoe grade teas, was a British colony, creating a historical link.

The Role of Loose-Leaf Orange Pekoe in the UK

While not the everyday brew, loose-leaf Orange Pekoe is certainly available and enjoyed in the UK by connoisseurs and those seeking a finer tea experience. Speciality retailers and high-end stores like Fortnum & Mason and Whittard of Chelsea sell loose-leaf Ceylon Orange Pekoe, often highlighting its delicate and refined flavour profile. This is a more intentional, ritualistic way of drinking tea, far removed from the mass-market teabags.

How to Brew a Proper Cup of Tea

For those looking to brew tea in the traditional British style, whether it's a standard teabag or a loose-leaf Orange Pekoe, the process is key. The following steps ensure a satisfying cup:

1. Fresh water: Always use fresh, cold water in the kettle and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Warm the pot: Rinse the teapot with a little boiled water to warm it up before adding the tea.
3. Add tea: Add one spoonful or teabag of tea per person, plus one for the pot.
4. Steep: Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it brew for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
5. Serve: For a classic builder's brew, serve in a mug with a splash of milk. For a more delicate loose-leaf Orange Pekoe, serving it black is often recommended to appreciate its flavour.

Orange Pekoe vs. English Breakfast: A Comparison

Feature	Orange Pekoe	English Breakfast
Classification	A tea leaf grade, referring to the size and quality of the whole leaf.	A tea blend, mixing black teas from various regions.
Flavour	Can range from delicate and sweet (Ceylon OP) to full-bodied depending on the source.	Robust, strong, and malty, specifically designed to be served with milk and sugar.
Format	Typically sold as loose-leaf tea for a higher-end experience.	Dominantly sold in teabags, which contain smaller, quicker-brewing particles.
Commonality in UK	Niche, favoured by enthusiasts for a more refined loose-leaf experience.	The quintessential everyday British brew, a national staple.
Origin	Refers to a grading system primarily for tea from Sri Lanka and India.	The blend is often a mix of teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, do Brits drink Orange Pekoe? The definitive answer is yes, they can, but it is not their default or 'normal' tea. The term 'Orange Pekoe' is not part of the everyday British tea vernacular, which is dominated by generic black tea teabags and the broader category of 'English Breakfast.' While enthusiasts and specialty shops appreciate Orange Pekoe as a high-quality loose-leaf grade, the mass market prefers a strong, blended brew that stands up well to milk. This distinction highlights the difference between a refined tea leaf classification and the pragmatic, beloved national habit of brewing a quick and comforting 'cuppa'.

For a deeper look into the broader cultural context of tea in Britain, consider exploring the history on the Wikipedia article about tea in the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Orange Pekoe and English Breakfast tea?

Orange Pekoe refers to a grade of black tea leaf based on its size, denoting a whole, large leaf. English Breakfast is a blend of different black teas, typically including teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya, chosen for their strong, robust flavour.

Do British tea brands like PG Tips or Tetley use Orange Pekoe?

While these popular brands contain black tea, they typically use smaller, broken tea particles (fannings) in their teabags for a faster, stronger brew. They do not specifically market or focus on the Orange Pekoe leaf grade, which is usually found in loose-leaf form.

Does Orange Pekoe tea taste like oranges?

No, Orange Pekoe tea does not have an orange flavour. The 'orange' in the name is a historical reference to the Dutch Royal House of Orange, not the citrus fruit.

Is Orange Pekoe a premium or high-quality tea?

Orange Pekoe is one of the higher grades for whole black tea leaves. Teas with this grade, especially from specific regions like Ceylon, are valued for their delicate, complex flavours, making them a higher-quality choice, particularly in loose-leaf form.

Is it rude to ask for Orange Pekoe in a British café?

No, it's not rude, but it is unusual. The server might be confused, as most establishments serve a generic 'builders tea' or 'English Breakfast' from a standard brand. It's best to check if they have loose-leaf tea or a specific Ceylon Orange Pekoe if that's what you're after.

Why is Orange Pekoe so common in Canada but not the UK?

In Canada, 'Orange Pekoe' has become a generic term for standard black tea blends, used widely in marketing. In the UK, common brands like Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips don't use this specific grading term, so the public is less familiar with it.

How should Orange Pekoe be prepared differently from standard teabags?

Loose-leaf Orange Pekoe requires a teapot or infuser and a slightly longer steeping time (around 3-5 minutes) compared to a quick-brewing teabag. While it can be enjoyed with milk, many prefer to drink finer Orange Pekoe black to appreciate its nuanced flavours.