March 14, 2006

Kick Out the Jams

June Taylor Jams

Being in a jam is never a fun predicament. Unless June Taylor is involved.

The lovely Brit (who now resides in Oakland) makes delicious preserves in true artisinal fashion. She gets her fruit (all organic) directly from local farmers, uses a limited amount of sugar and no commercial pectin, and makes each batch by hand, yielding just eight to ten jars per pot.

But her dedication doesn’t stop there. She’s harvested her own figs and grows herbs and flowers to infuse into the fruit. Favorites include Strawberry Provençal Lavender Conserve, Meyer Lemon and Rosemary Marmalade, and Quince and Rose Geranium Fruit Butter. Taylor also tracks down forgotten fruits like Rangpur limes and Elephant Heart plums to make her products truly unique.

And although they’re delicious on toast, she encourages putting them on fish, meat, and cheese.

So be prepared to get into more than a few jams.

Available at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturdays, Market Street, at the Embarcadero; Bi-Rite Market, 3639 18th Street, between Guerrero and Dolores Streets (415-241-9760); online at junetaylorjams.com.