Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning (BOPF) is a black tea grade that falls under the fanning category, which consists of smaller broken leaf particles. It is one of the most common tea grades, widely used for quick brewing and strong-flavored teas. BOPF is especially popular in tea bags and blends due to its strength and versatility.

Key Characteristics of Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning (BOPF):

1. Grade Type:

   • BOPF is a broken leaf grade, smaller than Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) but larger than tea dust.
   • The term "fanning" refers to the small, lightweight particles created during the tea processing and sorting stages.

2. Leaf Appearance:

   • Small, granular tea particles, smaller than BOP but slightly larger than dust.
   • Uniformly sized and dark in color, BOPF is optimized for quick infusion and strong brews.

3. Flavor Profile:

   • Brisk, strong, and full-bodied, with a high level of astringency.
   • Provides a bold flavor, often malty or brisk, depending on the origin.
   • Works well with milk and sugar, making it ideal for milk tea or chai.

4. Brewing & Usage:

   • Fast-brewing due to the small particle size.
   • Commonly used in tea bags or for quick steeping in loose-leaf form.
   • Suitable for those who enjoy a strong, energizing cup of tea.

5. Production Regions:

   • Produced widely in tea-growing regions such as Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India (Assam, Darjeeling), Kenya, and China.
   • Sri Lankan BOPF teas are known for their bright and brisk flavor, while Assam BOPF teas are typically malty and strong.