Welcome to The Tealady, home of the finest handmade preserves. From scrumptious jams packed with the richest soft berries, the zingiest of marmalades, sweet piquant and fragrant chutneys to vibrant, invigorating pickles. We have it all!
Dream of your most vivid, sensorial, luxurious taste experience. From your own Mad Hatter's tea party to a leisurely picnic in the long grass of a summer meadow with your loved ones. Let us take you there.
Our preserves are borne from precious childhood memories of gardens full of ripening produce, the happy industry of warm, homely kitchens and the voices of loved ones lost. We bring them all vividly to life with the sensory extravaganza that is our handmade preserves—made lovingly by The Tealady with skill and care.
Welcome to The Tealady, home of the finest handmade preserves. From scrumptious jams packed with the richest soft berries, the zingiest of marmalades, sweet piquant and fragrant chutneys to vibrant, invigorating pickles. We have it all!
Dream of your most vivid, sensorial, luxurious taste experience. From your own Mad Hatter's tea party to a leisurely picnic in the long grass of a summer meadow with your loved ones. Let us take you there.
Our preserves are born from precious childhood memories of gardens full of ripening produce, the happy industry of warm, homely kitchens and the voices of loved ones lost. We bring them all vividly to life with the sensory extravaganza that is our handmade preserves—made lovingly by The Tealady with skill and care.
Handmade preserves don’t just enrich the palette, but also the soul. Made with loving warmth to provide impeccable taste – from jam and marmalade to chutney and relish – these preserves have won over hearts as well as awards of the highest honours.
Our story of becoming the Tealady is rooted in and entwined with tales of family, the discovery of unrivalled flavours, creativity through collaboration, and a promise to never compromise on quality and to always provide flawless taste.
Handmade preserves are a culinary and traditional art form and the careful craft of flavoursome creations. Harnessing the natural goodness of ripe (and unripe) fruits and skilfully preserving them for enjoyment long after the warmth of the summer has gone.
The process begins by selecting the finest and freshest fruits at their peak flavour. Careful cooking retains the vibrant colours whilst locking in all the flavours. These fruits are prepared and cooked as a single fruit make or combined with other bountiful berries, orchard fruits, spicing or especially selected, locally produced spirits for you to enjoy.
The finished preserves are decanted into sterilised glass jars and sealed to create an airtight environment to prevent spoilage.
Our handmade jams and marmalades include orchard fruits, summer berries, and citrus, each offering a unique taste profile that reflects our artisanal, personal touch.
These mouth-watering creations serve as delightful accompaniments to bread, pastries, desserts and provide versatile cooking and baking ingredients. The art of crafting handmade preserves has a rich cultural history, often passed down through generations. It is now enjoying a resurgence as we seek to connect with traditional food preparation methods and savour nature's truly authentic flavours. Whether as a thoughtful gift or a cherished addition to one's pantry, handmade preserves celebrate nature's beauty and culinary craftsmanship's artistry.
In the heart of the kitchen, where creativity intertwines with tradition, a passionate alchemy unfolds – the art of crafting artisanal chutneys and pickles. With each slice, dice, and stir, a symphony of flavours is orchestrated, transforming humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces dancing on the palate.
Here, traditional time-honoured techniques are fully embraced, and skilled hands deftly act out the play passed down through generations. Every jar is a tale of exploration, as vibrant spices, succulent fruits, and crisp vegetables are carefully selected. The rhythmic chopping of ingredients creates a chorus of aromas, building anticipation for the culinary journey ahead.
As ingredients unite in a harmonious blend, the infusion of spices takes centre stage. Cumin, cardamom, mustard seeds and more, each play a vital role in composing a sensory opera that is both bold and nuanced. With a careful hand, the perfect balance of flavours is achieved – a dance of sweet, savoury, tangy, and spicy notes awakening taste buds to evoke a myriad of memories and emotions.
Patience is the key ingredient for creating mouth-wateringly delicious chutney. Peeling, slicing, dicing, sometimes braising pan contents oh so slow and extracting every last drop of flavour so that the once disparate ingredients meld into one. At other times, it is faster to retain vibrant colour and intense flavour. The melding of ingredients in chutney creates an evolution of taste, transforming ordinary elements into the most extraordinary delights.
With lids sealed, a chapter of the culinary story is preserved. These artisanal creations are more than mere condiments; they are time capsules of tradition, vessels of memories, and embodiments of the skilful hands that carefully crafted them. They grace tables elegantly, offering a gateway to new tastes and cherished nostalgia.
Whether adorning a cheese platter, enhancing a curry, or inspiring experimental pairings, artisanal chutneys and pickles are a tribute to the fusion of human imagination and nature's bounty. They represent the beauty of slow, intentional creation in a world often dominated by haste. With every jar opened, we are invited to savour the symphony of flavours and embrace the rich heritage of culinary artistry – a testament to the magic that happens when passion and tradition unite.
At the heart of every cherished memory is a story waiting to be told. Our journey begins in the warmth of childhood days, where the sweet aroma of fruits and the laughter of loved ones lingered in the air. As we reminisce about those moments spent with family, we invite you to step into our world. In this world, the art of preserving nature's bounty meets the science of kitchen chemistry.
Picture this: a smallholding abundant with fruits, a mother's wisdom and an aunt's dedication, all combined to create flavours that danced merrily on the taste buds. Enthusiastic hands carefully picked fruits while learning that life's pleasures often come with a price – a lesson etched in the mind forever. The philosophy of leaving stones in jam became more than just a quirky tradition; it symbolised the commitment and care that goes into crafting something genuinely delightful.
Yet, life sweeps us on, and childhood's embrace evolves into adulthood's challenges. The torch of tradition passes on, and after years away, the desire to create awakens once more. A newlywed's excitement intertwines with the longing to gift joy through strawberry jam. But life had changed; the guiding light was no longer there. The solution, a well-thumbed Good Housekeeping recipe book, a treasured relic bringing the promise of success.
With newfound determination, the journey into the world of preserves and pickles began. The kitchen became a laboratory, where fruits revealed their hidden secrets and chemistry unlocked their potential. The goal was simple: capture the essence of each fruit, create memories, and ensure that every jar carries flavour and a piece of the creative heart.
Soon, the information and knowledge found inside the treasured book ran dry. Enter the Jam Mistress, an exceptionally skilled preserves tutor based in the West Country. Spending precious time in her teaching kitchen brought fresh thoughts, ideas and, importantly, new skills to hone: the art of marmalade making.
Embracing this wonderous knowledge, we set forth on a mission to refine our wonderful jam and chutney offerings and, importantly, add the absolute joy of marmalade to our shelves. Making preserves became a true art form guided confidently by the realms of science. We delved further, investigating beneath the skins of fruits and vegetables and exploring their reactions when they mingled with the other elements. It was a journey of pure discovery, where pectin tests revealed the successful secrets of firm but wobbly jelly, holding pieces of the most delightful fruit in glorious suspension. Inspired by the motivating journey spent with the Jam Mistress, the idea of being the Marmalade Mistress was born.
Our pathway is one of growth and ensuring that every beautifully presented jar leaving our capable hands carries a rich medley of tastes and the assurance of safety. We invite you to join us in this adventure – an adventure where tradition and innovation harmonise, where the past informs the present, and where each jar tells a story of dedication, understanding, and an absolute love for the culinary craft.
As you explore our offerings, remember that each jar has a story to tell. It is a story of childhood memories, shared laughter, and the desire to create moments that linger. With every spoonful of jam or chutney, you are not just tasting flavours; you are tasting history, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Looking back on where we started – with fruits, family, and an immense desire to create – we are excited to see our path flourish and grow. The flavours of tomorrow are waiting to be discovered, and we can't wait to share them with you!
Photos of our delicious and creative creations
Some of our most frequently asked questions
In the heart of the Brecks, Norfolk
For many years I made teas for Rocklands Cricket Club, yes I was the Tealady. In 2013 Yorkshire Tea launched a searched for a cricket club serving the best cricket tea. I entered, and made it through to the final of the competition which was held in the long room at Lord’s Cricket Ground. I made all the jam, and chutney used in the tea I served in the final, and won!
Not at the moment, but I’m working on something, watch this space.
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We extend an invitation to every food enthusiast, every curious cook, and every lover of flavours. Our blog is a treasure trove of insights –personal anecdotes, kitchen experiments, and scientific revelations. Journey with us as we explore the magic of caramelisation, the intricacies of pH levels, and the dance of enzymes and sugars. Together, we will uncover the alchemy that transforms humble ingredients into culinary wonders.
Please take a look at our latest news and blogs to follow our culinary journey.