Lemon Cypress
Estimated Inventory, 50 ct : 31.00
This item was last sold on : 01/13/25
Description/Taste
Lemon Cypress are the tender growing tips harvested from mature Cypress trees. At 8 to 12 centimeters in length, they have a slender, upright branching nature. These sprigs appear in varying shades of chartreus green, and golden yellow, often tinged with white accents, sometimes a solid color and other times, variegated with bright highlights of white or ivory. The sprigs appear delicate, textured and soft, but are very durable. Lemon Cypress has an unusual three-dimensional depth which provides visual excitement as a garnish. These springy greens easily provide a vertical, upright element. When rubbed or lightly crushed, Lemon Cypress releases a bright, refreshing lemony scent with prominent lemon and citrus notes and subtly herbaceous pine nuances. The greens are technically edible and bear a strong, perfumed, and mildly bitter taste. 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 young growing tips of mature evergreen conifers 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 rubbed or gently crushed. Both 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
Cypress trees contain lemon and pine-flavored essential oils known as limonene and pinene. These are the key components of the aromatic scents of many conifers, including cypress, pine, spruce, fir, hemlock and cedar. 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 distinct lemony-citrusy scent suited for garnishing a wide array of beverages. The sprigs 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 beautiful appearance and refreshing 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 harvested from the young growing tips of evergreen coniferous trees. These are commonly known as conifers and represent a large variety of trees and shrubs that provide us with shade, lumber, firewood, pine nuts and juniper berries. They include Redwood trees, the tallest trees in the world. Other examples include cedar, Douglas fir, pine, hemlock, and spruce. Besides producing 45% of the world’s lumber, conifers are the foundation of many of the world’s forests that provide vast habitats for wildlife. Since prehistoric times, coniferous plants have been used as a source of resins, and oils, for example, pine sap was used by native Americans for waterproofing canoes and baskets. Nature provides an endless source of useful phytochemicals for the treatment of human diseases. Conifers are rich in phytochemicals and have been used as a source of traditional remedies throughout history.
Geography/History
Lemon Cypress for use as a garnish was developed by 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.Sasuga developed these unique garnishes after a local landscaper gave her some young conifer trees to plant in her back yard. As she cared for the trees and they grew larger, she was inspired by the beauty and pleasant scent of the foliage, and the idea to utilize the fresh young growth as an easy-to-use, aromatic, decorative garnish was born. Currently, Lemon Cypress is only being sold through Specialty Produce near downtown San Diego and is offered in limited quantities as a specialty green.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Lafayette Hotel - Lobby (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Captains Quarters | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Camino Riviera Bar | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| The Duck Dive - Bar | San Diego CA | 858-273-3825 |
| insideOUT (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
