Broken Orange Pekoe One (BOP1) is a grade of black tea, commonly associated with the tea grading system used for evaluating the quality of tea leaves, particularly in regions like Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India, and other tea-producing countries.

Key Characteristics of BOP1:

1. Grade Type:

   • It is a broken leaf grade, meaning the tea leaves are intentionally broken into smaller pieces during processing. This often results in stronger brews compared to whole leaf grades.

2. Leaf Appearance:

   • BOP1 features well-made, slightly larger, and more uniform broken leaves compared to standard BOP grades. The "1" denotes a higher quality within the BOP classification.

3. Flavor Profile:

   • Typically offers a bright, brisk, and strong flavor.
   • It might have some complexity, often with astringent notes, making it suitable for black tea enthusiasts or as a base for milk tea.

4. Uses:

   • Commonly used for black tea blends or served as a straight tea.
   • Works well for brewing in traditional styles, such as with milk and sugar in South Asia.

5. Production Regions:

   • Sri Lanka is particularly known for producing high-quality BOP1, especially from mid-grown or high-grown regions like Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, or Uva.

BOP1 is often chosen for its balance between strong flavor and refined leaf quality. It's a favorite for those seeking a robust cup of tea without the fine dustiness of lower-grade teas like CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) or fannings.