Green Pekoe

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Green tea from the Fujian province of China. Green Pekoe (sometimes referred to as Orange Pekoe) is famed as an everyday tea, and is among the most popular teas consumed in China. Its thin, wavy leaves appear almost black when dry. Once infused, however, our 'Green Pekoe Blues' reveals its true color. And produces a light cup with a smooth, mellow taste and a gentle, soothing aroma.

There are generally three popular explanations given for the meaning of "Orange" in Orange Pekoe, none of them definitive. Possibly the most popular explanation is that it refers to the Dutch noble House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch having had a central role in bringing tea to Europe. A second explanation is that it refers to a supposed Chinese practice of using orange blossoms to flavor tea. (In reality it's more customary to use jasmine blossoms, and only for green tea). Finally, a third explanation is that it refers to the color of the leaves when they are harvested, which is wrong.