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Welcome to the ‘about us’ page of The Hebridean Jam Company at The Old Post Office, Carloway in the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. We moved here in August 2007 to a rather ramshackle house that used to be the local Post Office. Many local residents have fond memories of the local postmaster giving them sweets to run small errands. The aim is to sympathetically restore the building, but this is likely to be a life time project, as we are not property developers and we are running several businesses and a church as well. |
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Jams, that’s for spreading on bread and butter, isn’t it? The Apple and Rosehip Jam is like a very mild marmalade, as we don’t have oranges on the Isle of Lewis (yet!). It is especially yummy when eaten on hot buttered toast. The apples were grown on the Island and the Rosehips were collected from neighbours crofts, in and around Carloway.
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The Rowanberry and Apple Jelly has a unique bitter taste which is particularly sought after it is excellent when eaten with venison or other red meat. For vegetarians, it is very nice when eaten with speciality cheeses, or with a hazelnut loaf for a special treat. The Rowanberries were collected by ourselves from our neighbours gardens in and around the Carloway area of the Isle of Lewis. |
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The gift sets (pictured right) are very popular with tourists here as a reminder of their stay on the Isle of Lewis. They contain a selection of three small pots of jam or jelly, currently Grape jelly, Spicy apple jelly and Hedgerow jelly (apple, rosehip and elderberry). Now with bigger hexagonal jars. |
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The Blackberry Jam and the Apple and Blackberry Jam are lovely autumn jams, reminding us of the warm sunny day when we picked the blackberries in Lews Castle Grounds. A large tablespoon of these jams could be added to an apple pie. The Spicy Peach Jam from peaches grown at The Polycroft in South Dell (see link) is an absolutely amazing experience, with the delicate spices reminding us of Christmas. It is very nice added as an accompaniment to a curry. |
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We have green tomato chutney which is just about mature enough now to use, though would probably improve with keeping., which is now on sale. This was made from tomatoes grown on our croft. We have also made some sherry mincemeat for Christmas mince pies. This mincemeat is suitable for vegetarians as it will contain vegetarian friendly “suet”. Grape Jelly will hopefully soon be available again soon using grapes from The Polycroft in South Dell. Have had a good harvest from the most north westerly vineyard! This jelly was very popular last year, we couldn’t make it quick enough! We made a small batch as well as the gifts set, but sold out almost straight away, we will be making a lot more as we have plenty of juice. The kitchen has been booked near the end of the month for more grape Jelly and a new recipe for a ‘mulled wine’ grape jelly. (which we consumed a trial batch at home with Brie on crackers with ’mulled wine’ grape jelly—delicious!) People were using grape jelly on bread, toast, with cheese and biscuits, as an accompaniment to meat or nut loaves. (cold and hot), and also just eating it raw by the spoonful |
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A request from us!
We have found this year that as our business has expanded we have found Isle of Lewis fruit in short supply. We are interested to hear from anyone who may be able to sell us some Isle of Lewis fruit when in season. |
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Coming soon: We are going to diversify slightly from the jams to produce Real Grape Juice Lollipops, they contain 25% grape juice and no artificial preservatives or flavourings or colour. They are being trialled at the moment to check shelf life, that’s if I can keep my official tasters off them (a.k.a. children). |
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The Old Post Office |
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To Facilitate not dominate or manipulate. |
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Paul and Jayne 2006 (was it really that long ago!) |
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Phone: +44 (0)1851 643444 E-mail: hebrideanjam@live.com |
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To contact us: |
