Old Rectory Preserves

Producer: Old Rectory Preserves, Norfolk
Region: Eastern England
Product name: Hedgerow Harvest
Category: From the earth, artisan

What they do:
Old Rectory Preserves began in 2014, after former MasterChef finalist Annabel Anderson moved to Carleton Rode in Norfolk and found that her new house’s kitchen garden and orchard yielded more fruit than she could eat. Annabel began experimenting with preserving the glut, and friends quickly encouraged her to start a business.
Her range of jams and preserves marries classic fruits with herbs and aromatics. The majority of the produce used is grown at the Old Rectory, and Annabel is especially enthusiastic about cultivating heritage varieties.
Traditional methods are used to create small batches, resulting in limited-edition flavours depending on what is in season.
Annabel is keen on emphasising provenance and sources additional ingredients from within East Anglia, when possible. Old Rectory Preserves uses beet sugar grown and processed in Suffolk, along with cider vinegar from a farm in the village, and a variety of other items from local artisan suppliers.

What the judges said:
The judges adored the flavour combination of foraged blackberries and elderberries in the Hedgerow Harvest preserve, and applauded the company’s championing of other local businesses and dedication to sourcing ingredients from the surrounding area.

Visit the website: Old Rectory Preserves