Quick Answer
For a bold, brisk chai that stands up to milk and spices, choose BOP; for a smoother, lighter brew, choose OF. Swachh Tea's single grade CTC sample packs let you taste each grade on its own before committing.
Why Grade Matters in CTC Chai
CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea is graded by leaf particle size and shape. BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) consists of larger, more open leaves, while OF (Orange Fannings) are smaller, finer particles. These differences affect brew strength, color, and mouthfeel.
For chai, the grade influences how quickly flavors extract and how the tea interacts with milk and sugar. A larger leaf like BOP tends to produce a more robust infusion, while finer OF grades brew faster and yield a lighter cup.
Brewing Considerations
If you simmer chai for several minutes, BOP's larger leaves hold up well and release a steady, hearty flavor. OF, being finer, extracts quickly and may become bitter if over-steeped. Adjust your brewing time based on the grade you choose.
Both grades come in single-grade sample packs from Swachh Tea, allowing you to compare their profiles without committing to a large quantity.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- BOP: Bold and Brisk: Larger leaves yield a strong, hearty cup that holds up well to milk and spices. Brew longer for a robust chai. If you like a punchy morning chai, start with BOP.
- OF: Smooth and Quick: Finer particles brew faster and produce a lighter, smoother cup. Watch steeping time to avoid bitterness. For a gentler chai or quick brewing, OF is the choice.
- Sample Before You Commit: Use Swachh Tea's single grade sample packs to compare OF and BOP side by side before buying a larger quantity. Taste both to find your preferred chai grade.
Product Facts
-
Single grade CTC sample pack-BOP only: Contains a single grade of CTC tea: BOP only, offering a focused tasting experience. This lets you evaluate BOP's bold, brisk character on its own, ideal for chai drinkers who prefer a strong, full-bodied brew.
Single grade CTC sample pack-BOP only
-
Single grade CTC sample pack-OF only: Contains a single grade of CTC tea, ideal for a focused tasting of the everyday brew character. Sampling OF alone helps you decide if its finer, quicker-brewing profile matches your preferred chai strength and smoothness.
Single grade CTC sample pack-OF only
Which Grade Fits You?
Best for
- Chai lovers who want a strong, full-bodied brew that stands up to milk and spices
- Those who simmer chai for several minutes and prefer a robust infusion
Not for
- If you prefer a lighter, smoother cup or brew quickly, OF may suit you better
- If you're unsure, sample both grades to decide