The New Blue River Concentrates: Pioca, Ampersand & Flan – Why Everyone Is Talking About Them

Blue River Terps has built a global reputation on a simple principle: creating 100% solventless extracts, as pure and authentic as possible, while preserving the integrity of the trichomes. Founded by Tony Verzura, the brand first popularized cannabis-derived terpenes before opening its own “farm-to-table” dispensaries in Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts. That’s where Blue River now launches its innovations directly to the public—though the journey originally began in California.

Why “deconstruct” rosin?

The gold standard of concentrates remains rosin, crafted the traditional way: flowers grown specifically for washing, harvested at peak maturity, ice-water washed, and carefully pressed. Yet even this high-end product contains lipids and waxes that dull aromatic clarity and alter texture. Until now, classic dewaxing methods often stripped away too many terpenes and cannabinoids. Blue River developed a mechanical method that reduces these waxes without heat degradation, preserving a high level of terpenes, flavonoids, and esters. The result is a concentrate that’s more expressive, more stable, and more potent.

Pioca: cryogenic terp pearls

Pioca is a limited-edition release co-created by Tony Verzura and A$AP P (A$AP Mob). It represents the most advanced evolution of “deconstructed rosin.” After a mechanical dewax, Blue River produces a terpene-rich sauce crystallized into THCa. Using a proprietary cryogenic process, rosin-derived terpenes are encapsulated inside THCa, forming pearls that resemble tapioca.

The outcome is a unique multi-texture experience with explosive flavor and a high-energy euphoric effect. Designed for precision dabbing (cold start, Puffco, Switch, Terp Slurper), Pioca delivers impressive numbers: 93–97% overall, with 85–88% cannabinoids and 7–8% terpenes.

Flan: the signature “super concentrate”

Flan has become Blue River’s flagship. The philosophy is the same: reduce lipids and waxes without heat, but here the product maintains an ultra “wet badder” texture that amplifies terpene expression. Flan is crafted for true connoisseurs, offering euphoric and cerebral effects with unmatched clarity.

Its stats are equally striking: 96–100% overall, typically 88–92% cannabinoids and 8–12% terpenes. In essence, Flan is refined rosin that keeps the cultivar’s fingerprint intact, while elevating both flavor and potency to another level.

Ampersand (“&”): rosin you can dissolve

Ampersand opens an entirely new chapter: nutraceutical-style concentrates. It’s a water-soluble rosin powder, enriched with fatty acids, vitamins, and electrolytes. 100% solventless, it dissolves in the mouth or in a drink, kicking in within 2–5 minutes, with 30–40% higher bioavailability compared to smoking.

Available in multiple formats (raw powder, sachets, tablets, capsules, beverages), it’s pure and clean: no sugar, no calories, no additives. The effects are full-spectrum—euphoria, focus, wellness—delivered in a consistent, portable, and discreet way. Ampersand represents rosin adapted for everyday health and convenience.

Why these concentrates appeal to both novices and pros

For newcomers, Pioca, Flan, and Ampersand simplify access to high-end solventless: more flavor, more consistency, fewer mistakes with heating, and shelf-stable products that preserve aromas. For advanced consumers, the appeal lies in the aromatic density and strain fidelity, as well as the technical refinements: specialized jars, cold-storage recommendations, and stable textures that maintain quality over time.

Where to find them

These innovations are launched first at Blue River’s Massachusetts dispensaries (Cambridge and Somerville) and select authorized retailers in the state. This local model allows the brand to test packaging, products, and consumer education directly, then quickly iterate based on real market feedback.

Conclusion

Pioca, Flan, and Ampersand aren’t just new textures—they’re deconstructed rosin formulations designed to maximize flavor and effect while improving stability and usability. While Europe is buzzing over piattella and new badder styles, the U.S.—and Massachusetts in particular, thanks to Blue River—continues to set the pace, pushing solventless R&D further and redefining what true premium looks like.