Lemon Cypress
Inventory, 50 ct : 15.00
Description/Taste
Lemon Cypress is 8 to 12 centimeters in length and has a slender, branching nature comprised of tiny leaves. The sprigs appear in varying shades of chartreuse green and golden yellow, often tinged with white accents, and each sprig can be one solid color or variegated with both hues. The leaves and stems are delicate, textured, and soft but durable, and the sprigs are typically straight or slightly curved. Lemon Cypress has an unusual appearance as the sprigs are three-dimensional and provide visual movement as a garnish. The leaves surround the central stem, and the green's springy character supports the greens to have an upright appearance. When crushed or lightly rubbed, Lemon Cypress releases a bright, refreshing scent with prominent lemon and citrus notes and subtly herbaceous, pine-like nuances. The greens are technically edible and bear a strong, green, perfumed, and sometimes bitter taste, but they are primarily utilized as a decorative garnish for their aromatic qualities and visual appeal.
Seasons/Availability
Lemon Cypress is available year-round.
Current Facts
Lemon Cypress is an innovative beverage garnish developed by Sunny Greens in San Diego, California. The colorful, aromatic greens are the company's first release and were introduced in the spring of 2024. Lemon Cypress appears in various shades of green and yellow, sometimes tinged with white, and the greens are favored for their extended storage capabilities, fragrant nature, and visual appeal. The freshly harvested sprigs are derived from the evergreen plant of the same name and were creatively developed to provide a beverage garnish with increased aesthetics and enhanced sensory qualities. Lemon Cypress releases a refreshing, lemon-like scent when gently crushed or rubbed, and mixologists and home culinary enthusiasts utilize this aromatic nature to adorn beverages, creating a memorable sipping experience. Lemon Cypress is currently offered in limited quantities and is promoted by Sunny Greens as having a fresh citrus aroma that “evokes the beauty and freshness of the forest.”
Nutritional Value
Lemon Cypress contains lemon and pine-flavored essential oils known as limonene and pinene. Both essential oils are types of terpenes, compounds naturally found in plants that contribute to the plant’s aroma. Limonene and pinene are the primary components within Lemon Cypress that contribute to its fresh, citrus-like aroma. When inhaled, these scents are said to reduce anxiety and stress, stimulate the respiratory system, and create a positive sensory experience. The essential oils are also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-like properties, but more research needs to be conducted before claims can be made.
Applications
Lemon Cypress has a refreshing, bright, and citrusy scent suited for garnishing a wide array of beverages. The springs are used as a finishing element and are gently rubbed, crushed, or slapped to release a stronger scent. Lemon Cypress can be used in a wide array of beverages, from cocktails, mocktails, and sparkling juices to iced tea. The decorative garnish adds color and texture to increase a drink’s visual appeal, and the scent helps to complete the overall experience as it is inhaled and enjoyed when sampling the beverage. Try Lemon Cypress greens in gin-based drinks or as a twist on the classic old-fashioned. The sprigs can also be added to lemonades or fruity mocktails. Beyond its scent, Lemon 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
Lemon Cypress is a specialty product derived from the species Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. The species is also known under names including Monterey Cypress, Goldcrest, and Lemon Cedar, and one of the unique traits associated with this species is its native growing region. Monterey Cypress is only native to a small stretch of land on the Monterey Peninsula in California. The species was first described in 1846 by German botanist Karl Theodor and was introduced worldwide. It is now found in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South America, and North America. Monterey Cypress plants can grow as large as 12 to 27 meters in height in natural landscapes, and there is also a dwarf variety only growing around 1 to 4 meters in height. The coniferous tree has a narrow and pyramidal shape when young, becoming large, widespread, and irregular in shape with maturity, depending on the variety.
Geography/History
Lemon Cypress for use as a garnish was developed through Sunny Greens, a farm specializing in creating innovative greens in Vista, California, a city in San Diego County. The aromatic sprigs were commercially released in limited quantities in 2024 and are the company's debut product. Sunny Greens is owned by Kelly Sasuga, an entrepreneur and culinary professional passionate about art, food, and innovation. Sasuga previously gained valuable experience as Marketing Manager for Fresh Origins, a grower and supplier of microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty items. Sasuga laid the foundation for a successful marketing, photography, and social media department at Fresh Origins and later graduated from a Culinary Arts program in San Diego. Sunny Greens is a new endeavor for Sasuga, and she is harnessing her knowledge and past experiences to research, develop, market, and release unique greens and garnishes. It is said Lemon Cypress was given to Sasuga through a landscaper and was planted on her 2.5-acre parcel of land. Sasuga was surprised by the plant’s bright, lemony scent and developed the greens into an easy-to-use, aromatic garnish. Currently, Lemon Cypress is only being sold through Specialty Produce near downtown San Diego and is offered in limited quantities as a specialty green.
