Flush Pricing

Flush pricing reflects the fundamental agricultural reality that tea quality varies dramatically by season. In Darjeeling, the price differential is most extreme: first flush (March-April) teas are the most sought-after, with exceptional lots from prestigious estates like Makaibari or Castleton fetching $50-200 per kilogram at auction, while monsoon flush (July-September) teas from the same estate might sell for $3-10 per kilogram. Second flush (May-June), famous for its muscatel character, commands intermediate but still premium prices. This seasonal pricing creates a complex economic dynamic: estates depend on first flush premiums to sustain operations through the less profitable monsoon season, while buyers speculate on early-season lots based on weather reports and sample quality. Assam follows a similar but less extreme pattern, with second flush (tippy golden) teas commanding higher prices than later harvests. Japan's pricing peaks with shincha (first picking) and drops progressively through nibancha and sanbancha. In China, pre-Qingming (before April 5) teas command extreme premiums, with Longjing and Bi Luo Chun reaching $500-1,500 per kilogram for the earliest, most tender pickings. Understanding flush pricing is essential for tea buyers balancing quality aspirations against budget constraints.