Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
03
Oct 2021
Why one woman's roadside jam is Harrogate's best kept secret
By the roadside on Brackenthwaite Lane near Burn Bridge, you might spot an umbrella and table outside a house with perhaps the best jam and marmalade in Harrogate for sale.
It's all been homemade by former dairy farmer Elaine Church, who has lived there for 47 years.
If you leave £2 in her postbox, you can pick up a jar of orange, lemon, apricot, plum or pineapple jams or marmalades all made without preservatives.
Ms Church said:
When Ms Church is in the garden she enjoys chatting to customers and said she meets people from all walks of life.
She said:
'Not out too fancy'
Ms Church also bakes cakes, which she describes as "not out too fancy", on request. She had two delicious Bakewell tarts fresh out of the oven waiting for the Stray Ferret when we visited.
Read More:
- Bilton father and son supply top shops from ‘hidden gem’ allotment plot
- Harrogate man’s mission to grow record-breaking jumbo pumpkins
Ms Church grows as much of her own produce as she can to make the preserves. However, a recent experiment growing raspberries failed to bear fruit after some cunning voles climbed the stalks to eat them. She is philosophical.
At the end of the day, when she brings her table inside, she's pleased to see an empty box and is even happier when people return their used jam jars.
The secret to her recipes is nothing elaborate, just good old-fashioned Yorkshire cooking.
0