Double silver for Otter

Blackcurrant jam and orange marmalade made at Otter Garden Centres have scooped silver in the Producers category at the recent Food Drink Devon Awards.

The preserves are made in the kitchens at the garden centre in Ottery St Mary by Liz Lee and her team using traditional methods with a high fruit ratio.

Liz has built up quite a following with regular customers, who sometimes call ahead to make sure their favourite flavours are in stock.

Restaurant Manager, Simon Raynor said: “Our homemade range has proved very popular; some of the jams are served with cream teas in the restaurant, and we also have a display of jars for purchase.

“As a garden centre known for growing quality plants, we’re also proud to be producers of quality food.”

This year, for the first time, Victoria plum jam has been added to the selection. The fruit was collected locally by staff after the warm summer led to a glut of plums.

As well as preserves, the kitchen team also produce cranberry sauce and Christmas puddings in three sizes. Some customers place orders each year for Liz’s puds, available with or without peel.

The two silver awards are the latest in a line of awards for Otter’s own produce, which includes last year’s gold award winners, strawberry and raspberry jam.