Candied Flowers Bring Premium Prices

2013 - Volume #37, Issue #6, Page #06

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Crystallized candied flowers are too expensive for an afternoon snack, but they can be a real draw at special events.
  California farmer John Clemons grows a variety of edible flowers in greenhouses on his 33-acre farm. Some are sold fresh. About half go through a meringue crystallizing process he patented that gives them up to a 2-year shelf life.
  “They are like a sugared potato chip, crunchy and sweet,” says Shanna Johnson, CEO and marketer for Sweetfields, the company that sells the flowers. “We do custom flavors and custom scents. We work with chefs and mixologists to complement their dishes or beverages.”
  With more than 100 edible flower varieties, there are plenty of options. Currently Sweetfields focuses on violas, snapdragons, pansies, mini roses and rose petals. While much of the business is wholesale, individuals can purchase flowers through the website. Prices for SweetCrystal flowers start at $28.75 for 25 violas. Order a mix of 25 flowers for $62.50 or 40 snapdragons for $76.
  For waterproof flowers that float in drinks, Sweetfields offers SweetGlaze packages starting at $39.30 for 15 Snapdragons. To really make a statement, check out the SweetDust flowers sprinkled with 24k gold or silver starting at $52.95 for 15 snapdragons.
  With recent endorsements and articles about Sweetfields in bride, food and drink publications, more bakers, chefs and bartenders are adding flowers to the menu, Johnson says.
  With its patented process, Sweetfields can mass produce the crystallized flowers. They can be refrigerated or frozen and will not absorb moisture.
  As Clemons focuses on growing quality flowers, Johnson works at marketing.
  “It’s a challenge to educate the public about eating flowers. It’s a newer concept,” she says. “But consumers are really starting to catch on.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Sweetfields, Inc., 3264 Peg Leg Mine Rd., Jamul, Calif. 91935 (ph 877 987-9338; www.sweetfields.com).

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Candied Flowers Bring Premium Prices FARM HOME Food Crystallized candied flowers are too expensive for an afternoon snack but they can be a real draw at special events California farmer John Clemons grows a variety of edible flowers in greenhouses on his 33-acre farm Some are sold fresh About half go through a meringue crystallizing process he patented that gives them up to a 2-year shelf life “They are like a sugared potato chip crunchy and sweet ” says Shanna Johnson CEO and marketer for Sweetfields the company that sells the flowers “We do custom flavors and custom scents We work with chefs and mixologists to complement their dishes or beverages ” With more than 100 edible flower varieties there are plenty of options Currently Sweetfields focuses on violas snapdragons pansies mini roses and rose petals While much of the business is wholesale individuals can purchase flowers through the website Prices for SweetCrystal flowers start at $28 75 for 25 violas Order a mix of 25 flowers for $62 50 or 40 snapdragons for $76 For waterproof flowers that float in drinks Sweetfields offers SweetGlaze packages starting at $39 30 for 15 Snapdragons To really make a statement check out the SweetDust flowers sprinkled with 24k gold or silver starting at $52 95 for 15 snapdragons With recent endorsements and articles about Sweetfields in bride food and drink publications more bakers chefs and bartenders are adding flowers to the menu Johnson says With its patented process Sweetfields can mass produce the crystallized flowers They can be refrigerated or frozen and will not absorb moisture As Clemons focuses on growing quality flowers Johnson works at marketing “It’s a challenge to educate the public about eating flowers It’s a newer concept ” she says “But consumers are really starting to catch on ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Sweetfields Inc 3264 Peg Leg Mine Rd Jamul Calif 91935 ph 877 987-9338; www sweetfields com

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