Broken Grade
Definition
Tea leaves that have been intentionally cut or broken during processing to produce smaller, more uniform pieces that brew faster and stronger. Broken grades (BOP, FBOP, etc.) sit between whole-leaf grades and the finest particles (fannings and dust) in the grading hierarchy.
Why it matters
Broken grades are the backbone of quality tea bags and strong breakfast blends. They're not inferior to whole-leaf - they serve a different purpose, delivering bold flavor quickly. Understanding the grading scale helps you match tea format to brewing context.