Jammin' Away: How I Keep Up with Demand and Enjoy the Sunshine While Making Preserves

diversepreserves
Apr 2
5 min read

As the Spring sun shines brightly, my kitchen fills with the sweet, tangy smell of jam bubbling away on the stove. Every year, the demand for my homemade preserves—jam, chutney, marmalade, and sometimes zesty lemon curd—surges. This season, it feels like I'm racing against the clock! Balancing the joy of making these beloved treats while soaking up the sun's gentle rays is both a challenge and a delight.

Preserving fruits has a unique charm, yet this year seems particularly frantic. With short-lived fruits in high demand, capturing their essence in jars has turned into a whirlwind. Here’s a glimpse into how I navigate this sticky situation, savour the sunshine, and create jams, chutneys, and all the delicious treats in between.

The Rush of Orders before the Summer Tourist Season begins.

The spring brings a flood of inspiration. What new can I make for this season? But the ideas are short-lived if the fruit is unavailable to me. Here in the West of Scotland we are not known for our fruits so I have to rely on what I can get. This year - and not for the first time - I have been asked to make fig jam. But I simply cannot get fresh ripe figs ( OK I confess they are listed on Amazon at silly money per small fig but I'm not going down that route) . So I might have to travel a little, later this year to get the fruit I need when they are available. I cherish the process of transforming seasonal fruits into sweet treats that I can enjoy well into winter. Another fruit I want is Quince. I know where they grow and might just have to drive the several hundred miles when the time is right :)

However, as my homemade goods grow in popularity, the pressure to keep my stock full increases. I take great pride in seeing my shelves lined with glistening jars of vibrant preserves, but I need to be strategic about my time and ingredients.

No longer can I stroll leisurely through my day. Instead, I feel like a contestant in a race- produce disappears almost as quickly as it arrives! It has to! I don't have a fridge big enough for all the lemons, limes, cucumbers, strawberries and beetroot I have used this week! Hmm. Maybe beetroot don't need the fridge ...

The Joy of Cooking Under the Sun

One of the joys of making preserves on a sunny spring day is the ability to do so with open windows to let in fresh air while letting the fruits or chutneys simmer away.

Cooking in tune with the seasons is magical. The spring sun can be such a pleasant surprise, but the warmth on my skin enhances the experience. I find that flavours become more vibrant in this sunny atmosphere—perhaps it’s the good vibes that seep into every jar!

When the process feels overwhelming, I pause to appreciate the moment. Whether it’s taking a deep breath of fresh produce or listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, these small moments of stillness make the chaos worthwhile.

Finding Time Within the Chaos

With such beautiful outdoor conditions, the temptation is to trade kitchen work for beach trips or other outdoor activities. Finding the right balance between productivity and enjoying nature can be tough.

To manage my time efficiently, I create a detailed schedule that outlines my jamming days. For instance, I make a weekly to-do list of what I need to make as a priority, what might need restocking soon and what catering sized jars I might need if predicted orders materialise. This latter is the most difficult to get right as the catering sizes are wasted if not used - being too large for the average customer.

Creative Combinations

Staying aware of what’s in season keeps my creativity alive. Trying new recipes and flavour combinations reinvigorates my stock and allows me to explore different preserve options. For example, I’ve recently blended blueberries, orange, lemon and lime for a unique Zesty Marmalade that has become a favourite among friends.

Running short on favourite ingredients can be frustrating, but it pushes me to get inventive with alternatives. I’ve crafted combinations that delight the taste buds. Some standout creations that I have recently added to my website include:

Peach Chutney: Rich and aromatic, it captures summer sweetness beautifully.
Winter Ale Chutney : A savoury treat that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Fig Chutney: The ultimate sticky companion to a gourmet cheese platter.
Sweet & Sour Cucumber Pickles: Perfect addition to a burger. These are sweet and hot and add a little something different to elevate the meal.
Christmas Mincemeat: OK. I get that this is just a wee bit random. But Mincemeat doesn't have to be restricted to the Season of Goodwill! I made it by special request, so thought I might as well share the joy and make it available to all:)
Chilli Beetroot Chutney: Very Beetrooty, lots of chilli flavour. This one is for those who like something a bit out of the ordinary.
Scotch Bonnet Chill Jam: This was an oversight on my part. I have been making Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam since I started Diverse Preserves, but somehow I omitted to add it to the website. It is not for the fainthearted. It is very hot, but it went through a rigorous tasting schedule (thank you Betty) to get to the right degree of heat to blow your socks off.

Each unique blend tells a story. When friends or family request gifts, sharing these specialized preserves adds a personal touch to each jar.

Incorporating Sunshine into Every Jar

A growing trend in the jam-making community is the concept of “sunshine preserves.” These recipes aim to harness the natural warmth and light of summer in unique ways.

However - lets get real here! We are in Scotland. So, I'm sorry I don't grow my own lemons or dry my tomatoes out in the sun. Instead my preserves are made with love.

Finding Peace in the Process

In the hustle to meet demand and soak up sunny days, I prioritize the meditative aspects of cooking. The repetitive motion of stirring and pouring calms my mind and nourishes my spirit.

Embracing this approach helps me shift my perspective from being overwhelmed to being inspired. It makes the jamming process a cherished ritual, allowing me to express creativity without feeling burdened.

This season, I’ve even taken to listening to audiobooks as I stir or humming along to cheerful tunes. I unearth joy in the simplicity of making preserves, strengthening my connection to each flavour waiting to be discovered.

Celebrating the Craft of Preserve-Making

At its core, making preserves during this bustling season is about joyful creation and appreciating the process. I’ve learned invaluable lessons about balancing demand and sunshine, reminding me of why I fell in love with this craft.

There’s enchanting magic in blending fruits, mastering simple techniques, and producing beautiful outcomes that bring happiness. Exploring fresh ways to incorporate sun-filled flavours keeps my creativity flowing and reinforces the connection to this delightful practice.

While the demand for marmalade, jam, chutney, and lemon curd seems to grow each year, I embrace the challenge. The combination of summer warmth, exciting flavours, and sharing these creations reminds me how rewarding this effort truly is. Here’s to crafting homemade preserves, basking in sunshine, and savouring every bite!