Tippy
Definition
A grading descriptor indicating a high proportion of tips (buds) in the tea. Tips are the youngest, most tender part of the tea shoot and often appear as golden or silver-colored pieces among darker processed leaves. The 'T' in grades like TGFOP stands for 'Tippy.'
Why it matters
Tips are rich in amino acids and aromatic compounds, contributing sweetness and complexity. A tippy tea isn't automatically better, but a high tip count generally signals careful plucking and premium quality - it's one of the quickest visual indicators of grade.