What is the return policy?

Most unopened items in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange. Some items have a modified return policy noted on the receipt or packing slip. Items that are opened or damaged or do not have a receipt may be denied a refund or exchange. Items purchased online or in-store may be returned to any store. Online purchases may be returned via a major parcel carrier. Click here to initiate a return.

How long does it take to process a refund?

We will reimburse you for returned items in the same way you paid for them. For example, any amounts deducted from a gift card will be credited back to a gift card. For returns by mail, once we receive your return, we will process it within 4–5 business days. It may take up to 7 days after we process the return to reflect in your account, depending on your financial institution's processing time.

What is the policy for late/non-delivery of items ordered online?

Our local teams work diligently to make sure that your order arrives on time, within our normaldelivery hours of 9AM to 8PM in the recipient's time zone. During busy holiday periods like Christmas, Valentine's and Mother's Day, we may extend our delivery hours before 9AM and after 8PM to ensure that all gifts are delivered on time. If for any reason your gift does not arrive on time, our dedicated Customer Service agents will do everything they can to help successfully resolve your issue. Click here to complete the form with your order-related question(s).

When will my credit card be charged?

We'll attempt to securely charge your credit card at the point of purchase online. If there's a problem, you'll be notified on the spot and prompted to use another card. Once we receive verification of sufficient funds, your payment will be completed and transferred securely to us. Your account will be charged in 24 to 48 hours.

Will I be charged sales tax for online orders?

Local and State sales tax will be collected if your recipient's mailing address is in: Arizona California Colorado

Tea

April 28, 2023

How Is Black Tea Graded? A Simple Guide for Tea Lovers

So, you’ve discovered the rich flavors and potential health perks of black tea—now you’re curious about how it’s graded. Is "Orange Pekoe" a flavor? Does a higher grade mean better quality? The world of tea grading can be confusing, but don’t worry—we’re breaking it down in simple terms.

Tea Grading 101: What Does It Really Mean?

First things first: tea grades don’t necessarily indicate quality or taste. Unlike wine ratings or coffee certifications, tea grading is primarily about leaf size and appearance, not flavor. The system varies by country (India, Sri Lanka, and China all have different standards), and even within regions, grading isn’t always consistent.

Instead of relying solely on grades, true tea connoisseurs consider:

Origin (e.g., Assam, Darjeeling, or Yunnan)
Elevation (higher altitudes often yield more nuanced flavors)
Harvesting methods (hand-picked teas are typically superior)
Processing techniques (orthodox vs. CTC—more on this later)

The ABCs of Black Tea Grades

Most black tea grades are based on leaf size and uniformity. Here’s a quick guide to common terms you’ll see:

Whole Leaf Grades (Highest Quality)

SFTGFOP: "Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe" (yes, it’s a mouthful!)—indicates young leaves with golden tips, often the finest Darjeeling teas.
FTGFOP: "Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe" —high-quality, tippy leaves.
GFOP: "Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe" —contains golden buds ("tips") for a sweeter flavor.
OP: "Orange Pekoe" —a basic whole-leaf grade (despite the name, it has nothing to do with oranges—"pekoe" comes from a Chinese term for young leaves).

Broken Leaf Grades (Smaller Pieces, Stronger Brew)

BOP: "Broken Orange Pekoe" —smaller fragments, ideal for bold, brisk teas like breakfast blends.
FBOP: "Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe" —broken leaves with some floral tips.
BP: "Broken Pekoe" —even smaller pieces, often used in tea bags.

Fannings & Dust (Smallest Particles, Fastest Brew)

Fannings: Tiny leaf particles—common in commercial tea bags.
Dust: The smallest grade, used for quick-dissolving instant teas.

CTC Grades (Crush, Tear, Curl)

Popular in mass-market teas, CTC processing creates uniform pellets for a strong, consistent brew. Grades include:

CTC OP (larger pellets)
CTC BP (smaller bits)

Does Grade Affect Flavor?

Generally:

Whole leaves = More complex, nuanced flavors (best for loose-leaf brewing).
Broken leaves/fannings = Stronger, quicker infusion (common in tea bags).

But remember—a high grade doesn’t guarantee great taste. A well-grown BOP tea might outshine a mediocre FOP.

How to Choose the Best Black Tea

Instead of fixating on grades, look for:
✔ Origin-specific teas (e.g., single-estate Darjeeling or Ceylon).
✔ Freshness (check harvest dates if possible).
✔ Reputable sellers who provide details on processing and elevation.

Final Sip: Grading Is Just the Beginning

Now that you understand tea grades, you can shop smarter—but don’t let labels limit you. The best way to find your perfect cup? Taste, experiment, and enjoy the journey!

Do you have a favorite black tea grade? Share your picks in the comments! ☕️

Tea