When a listing came up on FaceBook with an amazing photo of soft meringue floral bouquets, I didn't think twice! I wrote to Anna Karpenko from Sweet Blossoms! She replied immediately and sent me amazing photos of the types of bouquets she has already made in the past. I explained I needed at least 7 flowers for a dinner that Friday evening; we agreed that a circular box was great for my table centerpiece. She confirmed CHF 25.- should cover it and we arranged to meet at Cornavin for the exchange the next day (see photo below).
I was so happy to have these amazing works of edible art and my friends were delighted to have one flower of their choice to top off the brownie thins I had made (photo at left). I wrote to Anna, "The flowers were more than amazing! Better than I could ever imagine! Thank you. Everyone loved them. The flavors were subtle and not too sweet. The texture is between whipped cream and a soft meringue... I'm still dreaming of eating them."
Anna, what is your background?
I am originally from Ukraine, and I’ve been living in Geneva for a little over two years, having come here by chance due to the war in Ukraine. Since I am an orthodontist by education, it has been quite challenging to pursue my profession here, as our diplomas are not recognized. Over the past two years, I’ve learned French, progressing from A1 to C1, and I am now exploring ways to validate my diploma so that I can work in my field. I am a creative person, so in parallel, I sought out a hobby, and marshmallow floristry became the perfect pastime, which may later grow into something more, possibly a full-fledged business.
What has been the inspiration?
About a year ago, I accidentally came across a picture of a marshmallow bouquet, and I was struck by the beauty and the concept of marshmallow floristry. I bought a course on how to make these marshmallow flowers, as well as all the necessary materials, and started learning.
I can say that the idea came to me relatively recently because I only started practicing and creating the flowers in the spring of 2024. However, my first 40 attempts were unsuccessful!
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
My biggest obstacle here is that in Switzerland, apart from expats from Eastern Europe, no one knows about this type of confectionery, referred to as Zephyr or Zefir. The taste of zephyr is much more delicate than marshmallows, not "rubbery", but cloud-like on your palate: soft, tender, delicious.
What are your plans for the future?
If I see that there is demand, I would definitely like to open my own small shop or at least a little stand in a market and a website for bouquet pre-orders.
What is your favorite product you offer and why?
I love creating zephyr boxes and bouquets because they are beautiful, delicious, and very original if you’re looking for a unique gift to thank someone, a birthday, a colleague,or as a hostess gift, then this is perfect. I love the creativity: I can spend hours making them, choosing colors, and researching real flowers and the color combinations found in nature. I enjoy replicating real bouquets, and I can make a fairly similar bouquet out of zephyr if a client shows me a photo of a fresh flower bouquet they like.
Anything else you think our readers would like to know.
I would also like to add that, as a Doctor, I pay very close attention to the cleanliness and the freshness of the ingredients. I use either fresh eggs from Switzerland/France, or dry pasteurized egg whites (albumin), as well as Italian food colorings and natural dyes from Bright Foods, which are made from dried and ground vegetables and fruits.
A great advantage of zephyr is that it contains neither gluten nor lactose (though it does contain sugar), making it suitable for people with those intolerances.
However, sometimes I use additional ingredients such as cocoa powder for some flowers, so it’s important to inform me if there are any food allergies when placing an order.
I hope that soon many people will love this dessert and its presentation as much as I do! Moreover, I never replicate floral arrangements, so each time, you can receive your own unique box of zephyr flowers to set the mood and enjoy a sweet treat! The flowers are made with a 2-week consume-by date.
Work in progress
Anna has kindly offered one lucky knowitall.ch reader a chance to win a Sweet Blossoms bouquet (value CHF 25.-) or if choosing a larger arrangement, can have a reduction of CHF 25.- off the price. Pick-up near Cornavin Geneva only.
Fill out this form and answer this multiple choice question: What consistency is Zephyr?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 26 September 2024. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random by Friday, 27 September 2024. Pick-up near Cornavin Geneva only. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email.
Sweet Blossoms
Anna Karpenko
Geneva
079 871 51 30
karpenkoanechka@gmail.com
