Tea terminology can be mind-bogglingly complex, too. Which is why we have Tea A-Z, a guide to deciphering both common and completely bewildering concepts from the world of tea. Let’s dive in!
FANNING: A tiny tea leaf, much larger than tea dust
Tea Fermentation
FERMENTATION: Black and oolong teas are made by oxidizing green tea leaves. White tea and green tea are unfermented. The process involves spreading out the green tea leaves and exposing them to air for a period of three to four hours, turning them red-brown. The red-brown color is what gives fermented teas their dark shading. Black tea is a fully-oxidized fermented tea. Oolong tea is made with leaves that are partially-oxidized semi-fermented.
FINE: Teas that contain superior flavor.
FIRING: When the fermentation process needs to be quickly stopped, tea leaves are rapidly heated in a wok or by hot air. This dries the leaves in what is seen as their final product.
Flowery Orange Pekoe
FLOWERY ORANGE PEKOE: Frequently abbreviated as FOP, Flowery Orange Pekoe is the highest grade of black tea. Flowery is a term that refers to the bud of the tea leaf. No tea flowers are used to prepare the tea.
FLUSH: Certain tea varieties, particularly oolongs, are harvested in cycles four times annually. This picking cycle is known as flush. The highest tea grades are produced from the first and second flushes. Freshly-picked leaves that are normally comprised of the bud and first two leaves of the growing tea shoot are also referred to as flush.
FRUITY: Fine oolong and certain keemun teas contain fruity quality characteristics. The term is not intended to describe fruit teas.
FUKAMUSHI SENCHA: This variety is steamed for a longer period of time than standard sencha. Fukamushi Sencha is Japanese for “deep-steam green tea.” It is steamed for up to 120 seconds, while standard sencha is only steamed for 30 to 40 seconds. Steaming the tea longer give it its deep green, opaque liquor and distinct texture. By comparison, standard sencha is golden yellow in color and is milder in flavor.
FULL: A strong tea without bitterness and solid color.
