Blake Hill Preserves is first US producer to win gold at World’s

Blake Hill Preserves, in Grafton, Vermont, continues to break records. Hot on the heels of an incredible win of three Good Food Awards in San Francisco, Blake Hill Preserves sets a precedent as the first-ever US producer to win gold at the 9th World’s Original Marmalade Awards held at Dalemain Mansion in England. The Orange, Lime & Ginger and Orange & Ten Year Single Malt Whisky Marmalades received Gold and the Grapefruit & Lemon Marmalade received Silver. The Awards judges held a blind taste test of over 2,000 entries to identify the world’s best marmalades and Blake Hill is one of the top medal scorers.
“We are thrilled to receive such amazing recognition at the prestigious World’s Original Marmalade Awards,” commented Vicky Allard, Founder and Executive Chef. “There is a perception that the best traditional marmalades still come from the UK. We are delighted to bring so many marmalade medals back to the U.S. from the country that invented the original citrus marmalade back in the 1700s. Hopefully people will start to look more locally again for a great marmalade that they can truly enjoy.”
Blake Hill’s passion for making the best marmalades means that every jar is made from only whole fresh organic citrus fruits and pure cane sugar. While most traditional commercial producers typically add pectin and citric acid to their marmalades, Blake Hill is a purist, relying instead on the quality of the fruit and three-generations of preserve making experience to create a perfect consistency and beautiful appearance.
“It is true; we have become a little obsessed with our marmalades. We believe a truly great marmalade should be a joy for its taste, texture, aroma, and appearance. We treat every jar as a little work of art,” said Allard. “We create our own fresh juice from whole organic citrus fruits, and hand prepare, blanch and soak our medium-cut rinds for that extra special traditional fresh-fruit character. Every batch is then carefully cooked to a perfect set in open pans and with a lot of care and attention.”
Blake Hill Preserves has been helping create a new wave of interest in marmalade.
Joe Hanglin, Co-owner, says “Whether in New England or Texas where we were hosting tastings just last week, nothing causes greater excitement at our tastings than when our customers discover our marmalades. People are either delighted to re-discover the bright, citrusy marmalade taste from their childhood, or excited to experience for the first time the delicious “zing” that a truly exceptional marmalade can create on the palate.”
Blake Hill’s customers also have a wide range of favorite marmalade pairings, including a gourmet Grilled Flat Bread, Marmalade & Brie sandwich; or an Orange, Lime & Ginger Marmalade glazed fish. The clean, citrus notes of a Blake Hill marmalade means that they can transition from fresh toast in the morning through savory courses for lunch and dinner.
About Blake Hill Preserves
Vicky Allard and Joe Hanglin founded Blake Hill Preserves in 2009. They are third-generation English preserve makers creating award-winning chutneys, jams and marmalades in Vermont’s Green Mountains using top quality fruits sourced from local farms when in season. Blake Hill Preserves products are made from all-natural, non-GMO ingredients without the use of artificial colorings, preservatives, thickeners or fillers. Blake Hill Preserves’ entire range is OU Kosher certified. Blake Hill Preserves chutneys, jams and marmalades are available in gourmet and specialty food stores and in natural food chains in the northeast, including Whole Food Markets and Food Coop stores, as well as gourmet kosher stores such as Pomegranate in New York City. Their products are also available in gourmet grocery stores elsewhere in the U.S. such as Central Market stores in Texas. Each jar (13 – 14 oz.), retails for between $6.99 and $8.99. To learn more about Blake Hill Preserves or to purchase product online, visit www.BlakeHillPreserves.com and check out Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BlakeHillPreserves.
Grafton, VT—March 5, 2014—Blake Hill Preserves