Ceylon Tea Grades Explained: BOPF, OP, Silver & Golden Tips

Ever seen letters like BOPF or OP on a tea packet and wondered what they mean? Tea grades describe the size and style of the leaf, not the quality — and they tell you a lot about how the tea will brew. Here's a simple guide to the main Ceylon grades.

BOPF — Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings

Small, broken pieces that brew quickly into a strong, brisk, full-bodied cup. This is what fills most tea bags and it's superb with milk. Try BOPF Strong Ceylon Black Tea.

OP — Orange Pekoe

Whole-leaf tea that brews lighter, brighter and more nuanced than BOPF — lovely on its own. See Ceylon Orange Pekoe (OP).

Silver Tips — white tea buds

Unopened buds, simply dried — delicate, sweet and antioxidant-rich. Silver Tips White Tea.

Golden Tips — the rare luxury grade

Hand-harvested golden buds with honey and malt notes; one of the rarest teas in the world. Golden Tips Tea.

So which should you buy?

Want strong and milky? BOPF or English Breakfast. Prefer subtle and plain? OP or a white tea. Treating yourself? Golden Tips. Explore the full Ceylon tea range — all Lion Logo certified, shipped worldwide.