After the Wind

After an amazing few days of gale force winds, the reality has set in - almost all our fruit has gone. Even the black currants have been blown off the bushes. Both the chestnut trees are badly damaged, so I doubt if there will even be any chestnuts. The irony is that today is calm and very hot. Any rain that might have fallen in the past day will no doubt be evaporating as I write. I guess this is all part of living on the land, good years and bad years.

Currants

With only a touch of modesty, our Black Currant Jam has been described as the best in the country. When I was out picking them this morning, I was wishing someone would develop a self-picking variety. Zac, our tail-less cat was on bird duty, but looking at the number of missing berries, I don't think she (or the others) are doing a very good job. It's a good thing we now have two new little kittens to add to the hunting pack :-). The red currant crop looks to be a little down on last year, but we still will be able to make lots for serving with your turkey at Christmas or New Year.

Gooseberry and elderflower jam

Redolent of summers past - our latest flavour is sure to be an old-fashioned treat. Thanks to Bees Blessing for providing the elderflower cordial. When cooking it yesterday, the smell was gorgeous!

Orange Ginger Jam

Our latest product, Orange Ginger Jam will be available this weekend at Wairarapa Farmers Market, Upper Hutt Farmers Market and Palmy Farmers Market. Many people cannot tolerate grapefruit, so this jam makes a good marmalade substitute for them. The ginger adds tang to this beautiful coloured jam.