Blue Cypress
Inventory, 50 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Blue Cypress is 10 to 12 centimeters in length with a thin, branching nature comprised of tiny, scaled leaves. The sprigs display a stunning, frosty blue-gray color with hints of red bark along the stem. The leaves and stems are delicate, textured, and pliable with a straight, pyramid shape. The branching nature of the sprigs gives Blue Cypress a three-dimensional appearance, adding to their appeal as a garnish. When crushed or slightly rubbed, Blue Cypress releases a pleasant woodsy and piney aroma with coniferous and resinous notes. The leaves and stems are technically edible and bear a strong, piney, astringent, and perfumed flavor with bitter undertones. Blue Cypress is primarily 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 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 a Cupressus arizonica variety displaying bluish-green foliage. The two main varieties of cypress known for this distinct coloring are Blue Ice Arizona Cypress and Carolina Sapphire. The freshly harvested sprigs of the evergreen conifer are prized for their long shelf-life and were developed to provide a beverage garnish with enhanced sensory qualities. When gently crushed or rubbed, the sprigs release an aroma similar to a Christmas tree, evoking a nostalgic response from consumers. The greens are currently being offered in limited quantities and is promoted by Sunny Greens as the ideal garnish for the December 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 the glass of a wide array of beverages from spirited cocktails to mocktails, sparkling juices, lemonades, and iced tea. The branching leaves 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 a specialty evergreen often used as a Christmas tree 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 lightening 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 Fall 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. Arizona Cypress trees thrive in the Southern United States where full-sun days are abundant, making them the perfect addition the Sunny Greens line. Blue Cypress is available in limited quantities through select distributors, including Specialty Produce.
