Blue Cypress Garnish
Estimated Inventory, 50 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Blue Cypress is 10 to 12 centimeters in length. The sprigs are the feathery, tender growing tips harvested from mature Cypress trees. They display a stunning, frosty blue-gray color with hints of reddish coloration along the stem. These modified leaves and stems are pliable but maintain an upright shape. The branching nature of the sprigs gives Blue Cypress a textured three-dimensional appearance, adding to their appeal as a versatile garnish. When slightly rubbed or crushed, Blue Cypress releases a pleasant woodsy and piney aroma with coniferous and resinous notes. They are technically edible and bear a bold, piney taste and perfumed flavor with mildly bitter undertones. Blue Cypress is used as a decorative garnish due to its aromatic qualities and visual appeal.
Seasons/Availability
Blue Cypress is available year-round.
Current Facts
Blue Cypress is a unique and highly visual beverage garnish developed by Sunny Greens in San Diego, California. The frosty blue evergreens sprigs are the second product released by the company, reaching the market in limited supply in Fall of 2024. Sunny Greens Blue Cypress garnish is harvested from mature evergreen conifer trees. The freshly harvested sprigs are prized for their long shelf-life and were developed as a beverage garnish with enhanced sensory qualities. When gently crushed or rubbed, these greens release an aroma similar to Christmas trees, evoking a nostalgic response from consumers. The greens are currently being offered in limited quantities and are promoted by Sunny Greens as the ideal garnish for the Fall/Winter Holiday season.
Nutritional Value
Blue Cypress contains p-cymene, a-pinene, and limonene essential oils that are responsible for the plants piney, resiny, and woodsy flavors and aromas. The essential oils contained within the sprigs are thought to aid with broken capillaries and varicose veins. They have also been used, outside of medical practice, as an immune system stimulant and sedative. The essential oils are also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-like properties, although more research needs to be conducted before these claims can be proven.
Applications
Blue Cypress has a calming, woodsy, and piney aroma suited for garnishing a wide variety of beverages. The showy sprigs are used as a finishing garnish and the essential oils of the greens are released when the product is rubbed or crushed. The added visual appeal from the color and texture of the sprig, combined with its rich scent creates a multi-sensory experience. The aroma of the evergreen invokes memories of Christmas, lending it to seasonal cocktails and dishes. Blue Cypress can be used to adorn a wide array of beverages from spirited cocktails to mocktails, sparkling juices, lemonades, and iced tea. The branching upright shape of the sprigs allows them to be propped up within a cocktail or hooked along the rim. They can also be floated atop the beverage to impart their piney and resiny flavor. Blue Cypress pairs well with gin, vodka, mezcal, and whiskey, as well as citrus juices like lemon and orange. Blue Cypress is durable and will keep up to one month when stored in its packaging in the refrigerator. This product has little waste as it can be used for extended periods.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Blue Cypress trees are the young growth tips of mature evergreen/conifer trees. Conifer trees with blue hues are often used as Christmas trees in the United States in December as part of their celebration of the December 25th holiday. There are several legends surrounding the origin of the modern Christmas tree. Many ancient cultures in the Northern Hemisphere were known to bring the branches of evergreen trees into their homes to brighten the spirit and celebrate the winter solstice, the longest day of the year occurring around December 21st. One story tells of a group of Germans who were performing a sacrifice around a giant oak tree in worship of Thor. The story tells of an English Benedictine monk who chopped the tree down to prevent the sacrifice from taking place. The German worshippers believed the monk would be struck by lightning for angering the god of thunder. When nothing happened, the Germans gave up their faith in the Norse gods. The legend claims a fir tree sprouted from the felled oak tree, becoming a symbol of the Christian deity. The tradition of cutting down and bringing an evergreen tree into German homes began in the 16th century. The trees would be decorated with gingerbread, nuts, and apples. More garish decorations began adorning the trees by the 19th century, leading to the Christmas tree tradition enjoyed in many parts of the world today. While a fir tree was traditionally used in Europe, other evergreens, including cypress tree varieties, are now used to bring unique shapes, colors, and fragrances into the home during the winter holiday season.
Geography/History
Blue Cypress for use as a garnish was developed by Sunny Greens, a farm located in Vista, California, a city in Northern San Diego County. The visually stunning and aromatic sprigs were commercially released in limited quantities in Summer of 2024. Sunny Greens was founded by Kelly Sasuga, the former Marketing Manager for Fresh Origins, a well-known grower and distributor of proprietary microgreens. Sasuga combined her culinary expertise and experience at Fresh Origins to launch Sunny Greens, a company dedicated to developing unique cocktail garnishes. Cypress trees thrive in the Southern United States where bright, sunny days are abundant, making them the perfect addition the Sunny Greens line. Blue Cypress is available in limited quantities through Specialty Produce.
