Gustavus Sitka Spruce Tips 

A little bit about these spruce tips! 

Sitka spruce tips (Picea sitchensis) are the bright green new growth at the end of spruce branches in the spring. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium and have been used for thousands of years as both a food source and medicine. Their unique flavor—citrusy with hints of honeydew melon—makes them a cherished seasonal delicacy.

​

The temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest are intricate ecosystems, silently connecting and cooperating, growing and decaying. Among these forests, the Sitka spruce stands as an iconic tree, particularly in the coastal regions. In Gustavus, Alaska, spring brings the cherished tradition of harvesting Sitka spruce tips. For thousands of years, the Haida and Tlingit people have gathered them, valuing their vibrant flavor and medicinal properties. Brewed into teas or crafted into remedies, these tips provided nourishment and a deep connection to the land’s cycles.

​

Today, the tradition continues with the same care and purpose. As the bright green tips emerge from their brown papery sheaths each spring, the town comes alive with excitement. The harvest window is brief—just about ten days—making timing crucial. Picked too early, the tips are resinous; too late, and they turn tart and overly medicinal. Capturing them at their peak ensures the best flavor and quality.

​

In Gustavus, Sitka spruce tips are more than a seasonal ingredient—they are a symbol of community. Each year, locals gather for open harvests, selling their hand-picked tips to us for cash. We carefully clean, freeze, and ship them to kitchens, breweries, and culinary artisans across the country, sharing the bounty of Gustavus with a wider audience.

These spruce tips are woven into the identity of Gustavus, linking us to ancient traditions and to one another. Their story is one of resilience, renewal, and the enduring bond between people and the land.

​

** Our spruce tips come vacuum-packed for long-term storage and are recipe-ready, typically requiring no further processing. We also ensure all tips are sustainably harvested and picked in accordance with state and federal regulations. **