The taste quality of Silver Needles, like that of any other tea, is NOT determined by how early it is harvested, nor how large the leaf shoot is. This may be contrary to the wide spreading perception, but those who have spent enough time in the fields understand that better quality teas most of the times come out a bit later than those planted lower in the altitude, and sometime a bit smaller in size because of generally colder temperature and higher wind. This is not consistent throughout all regions nor within the same area of the region. Micro-climate, different horticulture practice also play key roles.
Therefore, in terms of taste, always judge by tasting rather than just the appearance or the time of harvest. Pricing is extremely irregular nowadays anyway.
