Rosebud Preserves, founded by Elsbeth Biltoft, has been making its jams, chutneys and jellies in Masham, North Yorkshire, since 1989. The company believe in sourcing local produce, cooking traditional recipes; and practising time-honoured techniques. Rosebud products do not use additives, preservatives or pectin and remain the same today as they did almost 30 years ago.
Rating
Appeals To
Obviously, people who love jam, but also those looking for flavours that are a little bit different, fans of condiments in general, British produce enthusiasts, Christmas addicts, toast and scone eaters that fancy a twist, sauce makers and mixologists who want to try a splash of a unique ingredient
Price
All of the 8oz jars of jams, marmalades, jellies, chutneys and pickles on the website are under £4, with the option to group products into gift boxes of your choice.
Products
The beautifully laid out Rosebud website is a veritable treasure trove of preserves and pickles. The flavours range from traditional (Seville Orange Marmalade) to more adventurous and little-known combinations like Ampleforth Cider Marmalade, Wild Rowan Jelly and Spicy Malaysian Relish. Some of the preserves are also themed for Christmas and each product description helpfully includes a recommendation for food to accompany it, for example, lamb, pork pies or cheese.
The company have now forayed into collaborating with local producers in the county and the Christmas box we tried featured its two new flavours which included a Satsuma Marmalade infused with Mason’s Gin – a local distiller.
The marmalade had a wonderful chunky and syrupy texture, with wisps of zesty citrus and a pronounced gin bite at the end – this would work equally well on toast or even as a mixer for festive cocktails due to its complex, gradually unfolding flavour.
The other new addition, Cherry and Amaretto, was similarly robust – thankfully not too sweet – with the sour notes of the cherry keenly tempered by the smooth and fragrant almond liqueur.
Other Christmas options we tried were Red Port and Onion Marmalade and the Christmas Fruit Chutney which both seem made to complete any cheese board. The marmalade has a wonderful sweetness from the port, while the caramelised onion still gives a sharp rebuttal which makes this a perfect accompaniment to a savoury blue cheese.
The chutney, packed a rounded and fruity punch which faded away into a mild spiciness that tingled on the tongue – this is one that would go really well with a strong cheddar, Christmas ham or as a more versatile all-purpose table condiment.
The Verdict
These preserves do not disappoint; treading the fine balance between sweet, spicy and fruity, they manage to deliver on each in equal measure, which is surprisingly uncommon. The creative and festive flavours are well executed without being gimmicky and the price is extremely good value for the quality of ingredients and the time that clearly goes into these. They are sure to complete any festive table; they will most certainly be on mine!