Relishes tend to be half way between a chutney and a pickle in that, though they use the same kinds of fruits and vegetables, the finished texture is different. The fruit or vegetables are cut into small pieces or coarsely chopped and a combination of spices and flavourings are used to make them sweet, sour, spiced or more on the plain side. The preservative is, of course, vinegar.

Not all relishes…

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Pickles and chutneys are often thought of as similar. However, while both are preserved with vinegar and spices, there the similarity ends. Pickles require a different processing method – they do not need to be cooked for such a length of time (with the exception of fruit pickles when the fruit is heated gently to allow the vinegar and spices to penetrate). Chutneys are generally made with a mixture of ingredients but most pickles are made from individual fruits or…

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WELL... It has been a very long time since I have been here. I have been busy for the past year setting up a business with a friend of mine making Gourmet Artisan Chutneys, Relishes and Pickles.

The world of food preservation is a very interesting one and I thought I share it with you all.  

Here is a little background on Chutneys.

 

Chutneys originated in India – the name derived from the Hindu word chatni – but are now a very popular preserve…

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Many people think of jelly making as the most difficult branch of preserving, but the basic principles for making jellies are the same as for making jam. It takes a little longer to make jellies and space is needed to keep it out of harms way while it is being strained. For this you need a jelly bag and stand, or suitable material to improvise.

Blackberries, elderberries and sloes are very good fruits for jellies, as are wild raspberries and blueberries mixed with apples.

When… Continue

A shelf of jars full of home-made jam, jelly and marmalade, neatly labelled and well arranged is a lovely sight in any kitchen.

Making jam's and jellies is a great pleasure and a job that many housewives look forward too. The lovely smell of the fruit cooking, the colour and texture of raspberries, black berries, apricots or strawberries make the thought of jam making something desirable. It arouses a feeling of elation when the jam sets as expected and frustration when the jelly… Continue