The Blackcurrancy Market

The Blackcurrancy Market.

I was quite delighted with my terrible pun about the Blackcurrancy Market in my notes about making black currant jelly and it made me think about the sharing of our produce and how that kind of currency contributes to natural balance in the world. We have just had a couple of days away and my neighbours kindly fed the hens for me – I was able to give them a jar of my jelly and the balance is maintained. A small thing I know - but important all the same.

As many of you know or are finding out, there is something deeply satisfying about preserving our produce and having enough not only to provide for our families over the winter but also to share with others.  It’s the age old cottager tradition which is making a real comeback. If you have an abundance of one thing then trade with the neighbours for their abundance.  When I was growing up you did not visit or go share a meal with someone without taking something along. A posy of flowers and herbs, a small pot of jam or preserves, some baking – what a treat.  It’s a very personal thing to bring something you have made. Let’s bring this tradition back.  

The good thing about preserving is that you can do lots of small batches so even if you are time poor, you can fit a batch of jam making in around your other work. A mix of small and medium jars means you have a small jar to give away.

Like the concept of terroir in wine or cheese making, the nuances of the season right down to the day are preserved in the flavour of that batch of jam.  Jam or jelly made at the beginning of the season may taste different to that made at the end. Soil, weather conditions during the growing season or at the time of harvest - all bring their subtle differences to the flavour of the end product.  So a succession of preserving days can mean a succession of individual tastes – some maybe never to be repeated! That’s one of the joys of the cottage gardener.

And if you are not yet able to make your own preserves then support your local farmers’ market or small scale businesses by buying their preserves.  You  can buy on line from small scale producers and so support our local Kiwi businesses.  Here are two I know who are marvelous examples of Professional Countrywomen.

Inch Valley Preserves is run by Maria Barta Hinkley and her husband on the edge of   Central Otago. Small batches of gorgeous product made with locally grown produce and available at various retail outlets or on line. Check her out at www.inchvalley.co.nz.

Totara Lowlands Cherries and Hazelnuts near Oamaru has recently been taken over by Liz Robins. She is not only growing the most marvelous cherries and hazelnuts but is preserving them in many delicious ways. Cherries preserved in Brandy. Yum. She has a range of preserves (not only cherries) and can make up gift baskets to order on line.  Check the range out www.totaralowlands.co.nz.  The site still has the names of the previous owners on it but the ordering system is still the same.