A Christmas tree that's good enough to eat is set to be a must-have decoration this Christmas. Herb-loving shoppers are in for a treat as Waitrose & Partners will once again be stocking rosemary Christmas trees as shoppers look for more environmentally friendly Christmas decorations.
The alternative Christmas trees proved a popular purchase last year as environmentally conscious consumers looked for a multi-purpose tree that could be re-used, whether that’s planting them in the garden or as a festive gift for foodie friends and family.
Waitrose Horticulture Buyer Oliver O’Mara comments, “Our customers are passionate about shopping in a more sustainable way, seeking out products that are kind to the environment and that help them to reduce their own waste, especially at Christmas.
“Our Rosemary Christmas Trees aren’t just for decoration, the rosemary tree’s leaves can be used to flavour dishes over the holidays and then be planted outside when Christmas is over, so nothing goes to waste.”
The retailer’s pot-grown Christmas Trees have also increased in popularity as shoppers look for more sustainable horticulture for the festive season. Sales of Waitrose & Partners Pot Grown Christmas Trees have grown by over 35% over the last four years.
The Rosemary Christmas Trees are grown and pruned to resemble the shape of a Christmas tree. Standing at around 30cm in height, just under a third of the size of an average Christmas tree, these aromatic miniature trees are edible and give the home a distinct refreshing fragrance.
The trend for rosemary Christmas trees started in America where just as many are now bought compared with standard Christmas trees.
Their needle-like leaves make them the perfect alternative tree and can be decorated to look just like their larger traditional counterparts. They can be used as a decoration in the lounge, placed on the kitchen window sill or even as a Christmas table centrepiece where guests can pick the tree's leaves to garnish their own festive feast - making them the perfect gift for foodies.
Grown in Chichester, the trees have been specially selected for Waitrose, whittling the choice of rosemary down from 80 different varieties to ensure the perfect tree was chosen for its shape, colour and wonderful bouquet.
Waitrose