As the Wimbledon Championship unfolds this week, strawberries take centre stage on the courts and in the kitchen, as our garden is bursting with the succulent fruit.
We handcraft 3 Strawberry Jams at Northumbrian Pantry all of which are available in our online store;
The extremely popular Strawberry and Tellicherry Black Pepper Jam
The limited-edition Strawberry and Rhubarb
Our Festive Jam with Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackcurrants is available later in the year.
We have created a short article celebrating all things strawberry and why we love our jams so much.
“Did you know that spectators consume around 28,000 kilograms of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream each year during the Wimbledon tennis tournament? The tradition dates back to the first Wimbledon in 1877”.
The Magic of Strawberries
Strawberries are more than just fruit – they’re a symbol of summer and nostalgia and, of course, Wimbledon. At the very beginning of Northumbrian Pantry, we were able to source a small amount of Strawberries from Alice’s sister’s garden. We now source from larger growers such as Brocksbushes and Spilman’s farm in North Yorkshire.
“Straw is used to protect the strawberries from any damp soil as they begin to grow and helps to keep weeds at bay. Some gardeners prefer the softer barley straw to wheat straw”.
Handcrafted in Small Batches
Quality over quantity is our philosophy at Northumbrian Pantry. All our jams are handcrafted in very small batches, keeping the flavours full and fresh and the colours extremely bright.
“We have the French to thank for cultivating the garden strawberry, which first appeared in the 1750s in Brittany. Hybrids of strawberries taken from the Americas produced what we find now: June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral varieties”.
Strawberry Jam
Our classic Strawberry Jam is a timeless favourite. It is bursting with the pure essence of strawberries and lets the fruit flavour do all the work.
Perfect for spreading on toast or layering in cakes, it’s a taste of summer mornings all year round.
“Strawberries are a unique fruit in that they are not actually true berries as the seeds are on the outside; they are therefore known as an accessory fruit”.
Strawberry and Rhubarb Jam (Limited Edition)
When rhubarb season arrives, we blend it with our strawberries to create a jam that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness. This limited-edition jam is a seasonal delight that captures the essence of early summer in every jar.
“Strawberries and cream are such a wonderful and iconic combination with records showing that Henry VIII’s aide, Thomas Wolsey, first served up the pairing to the King at a lavish banquet in 1509”.
Strawberry and Tellicherry Black Pepper Jam
For a unique twist, our Strawberry and Tellicherry Black Pepper Jam offers a delightful combination of sweetness and subtle spiciness. Ideal for pairing with cheeses or adding a gourmet touch to afternoon tea and picnics, this jam is a favourite among adventurous food lovers.
“Each strawberry has around 200 tiny yellow-green seeds. Interestingly, the seeds can be used to grow new plants, although strawberry plants more commonly propagate through runners”.
Festive Jam (Available from September)
As summer transitions to Autumn, our Festive Jam takes centre stage with a blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants. Whether enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a special treat on chilly mornings, this jam brings a burst of seasonal flavours to your table.
“Strawberries are also known as perennials, which means that they bear fruit year after year from the same plant, typically for about five years”.