Sway preserve maker scoops World Marmalade Award
A SWAY jam and chutney maker is celebrating after a trio of her homemade creations scooped top accolades in the World Marmalade Awards.
Inspired by the tastes of her countryside childhood growing up in Poland, Ewelina Napiorkowska launched her preserve-making business in 2021 and now sells her products in farm shops and community stores across the New Forest.
A proud member of the New Forest Marque scheme, Ewelina has created a range of chutneys and jams – with the majority of ingredients sourced locally from Sopley Farm Shop and New Forest Fruits.
Last month, Ewelina’s Lemon and Rosemary Marmalade received a prestigious Silver Roundel Award; while two others - Sweet Orange and Spicy Chai Tea, and Lemon and Green Tea - were highly commended.
Judges agreed her Lemon and Rosemary marmalade was excellent in taste, and were very impressed with its appearance, colour, consistency, aroma, and flavour.
Each year, thousands of marmalades from more than 30 countries are entered into The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards, which are held in Cumbria.
This year, the marmalades were judged by an expert panel including food writer Dan Lepard, Fortnum & Mason, grocery buyer Holly Warren, and food historian Ivan Day.
Ewelina said: “Creating new flavour compositions is my passion, which is why I was so pleased with this year’s award.
“It is a great honour for me because the level of this competition is very high and my products competed with the best products from around the world.
“We have been making marmalade for two years so it is great to have this award to cement our view that we make such a delicious product.”
She continued: “When I entered the competition last year it was mainly to get some feedback from the judges about the marmalade I was making – I never for a minute thought one of my marmalades would be chosen so I was thrilled to get a bronze award.
“This year I was able to achieve a silver – so next year I’m definitely going for gold!”
Ewelina is passionate about sourcing fruit and vegetables from local producers and suppliers, and says she never uses flavour enhancers, thickeners, or preservatives in production.
This makes her preserves as tasty and healthy as possible.
Growing up in rural Poland, she spent many happy childhood days at her grandmother’s farm, and also enjoyed cooking and baking with her mum.
She worked as an art teacher for children with disabilities before moving to the New Forest with her daughter Lillianna seven years ago.
Ewelina then worked at Carey’s Manor Hotel and Passford House Hotel, before taking the plunge to launch her own business in 2021 with support from her partner Marcin, a former chef.
Ewelina also enjoys making chutneys and pickled vegetables, including her latest creations Sway Chutney Green Allotments featuring green beans, and Sway Chutney Fruity Hedgerow made with local blackberries.
Other popular products include Pickled Vegetable Relish; Sweet Mixed Pepper Preserve; Cranberry and Apple Chutney and Spiced Beetroot and Orange Chutney.
She loves to experiment with new flavours and has plans to try pickling asparagus next spring so it can be enjoyed at Christmas. Her range of jams, pickles, marmalades, and relishes already numbers more than 25, with new products and ideas always in development.
Ewelina said: “The idea behind my brand is to promote raw materials from local producers and suppliers. I use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and my products are made with great care.
“In the kitchen, I am inspired by the flavours of my childhood, the smells of herbs and oriental spices. I focus on the natural taste of fruit and vegetables.”
Founder of the World Marmalade Awards, Jane Hasell-McCosh, said: “Artisan makers are so valuable to our marmalade community, and the variation and creativity of the entrants this year has been notable.
“So often those who win an award in this category go on to develop their business further, which we at Dalemain are delighted to support. I hope that Ewelina’s Home Pantry will have great success with their marmalade, both locally and further afield.”
You can buy Ewelina’s Home Pantry preserves online or in a range of shops across the New Forest, including Sway Post Office, The Naked Pantry in New Milton, Everton Nurseries, Pilley Community Stores and Minstead Community Shop.
They also feature as an accompaniment to local cheeses in The Box of Cheese delivery service.
To find out more about Ewelina’s Home Pantry, visit www.ewelinas-home-pantry.co.uk