From hotel classics to Chinese inspired creations and those with playful nostalgic touches, these fruity spreads will elevate your breakfast toast to new heights
The humble jam gets a bad rep—often the result of misunderstanding, thanks to mass produced versions that are cloyingly sweet and made with substandard fruits. As an avid weekend jam maker myself, I feel the need to clear its bad name and find justice for the maligned fruit spread. Fortunately, its fan base is growing steadily, with increased appreciation for everything from conventional flavours such as apricots, strawberries, and sweet orange marmalades to well-made preserves that have a softer set. I am relieved that spring is arriving in full force, driving full anticipation for the fruits ahead as we see the first of the ume plums and mangoes of the season. The truth is, the key to making sweet-and-sour fruit jam lies in the fine balance of art and science; and most of us may not have all the equipment and means to create our own at home. Luckily enough, Hong Kong is a city where good jams are in no short supply. Here are a number of purveyors selling jars of seasonal goodness that will rekindle your love for everything you can put a dollop of jam on, whether it’s morning toast, afternoon scones, or cooling yoghurt.
Mandarin Cake Shop
Introduced to the luxury hotel in 1987, rose petal jam has been the piece de resistance in the a classic afternoon tea experience at the Mandarin Oriental. Prepared using a heavily guarded secret recipe that yields a slightly looser, soft-set consistency that is easily spreadable on toasts or scones, the floral aroma and lingering sweetness of this iconic rose petal jam is truly irresistible. It's especially great with yoghurt or ice cream at home. Mandarin Oriental's rose petal jam is priced at HK$228 (180ml) and HK$278 (380ml) respectively.
The Mandarin Cake Shop, M/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2825 4008