The search for the world’s best raspberry jam maker attracted around 100 entries and a winner all the way from Canada – the well known blue grass singer and songwriter Trisha Gagnon.
The search for the world's best raspberry jam maker attracted around 100 entries and a winner all the way from Canada - the well known blue grass singer and songwriter Trisha Gagnon.
British Columbia-based Trisha makes raspberry jam on her own farm, and sells it seasonally during breaks in hugely popular performances with her award winning band, John Reischman and The Jaybirds.
Trisha said from Canada: "I am aware of the wonderful berries grown in Scotland and the many talented artisans of jam making that entered the contest.
"The aroma of blackberries heated by the sun, and sticky, juicy sweet berries, is a very fond memory. My grandmother would also put a pot of berries on the woodstove to stew and we would have them on pancakes. Berry picking and eating the rewards has been well ingrained in me.
The judging also revealed the Scottish and UK winner as Dienie Stewart, 63, of Broughty Ferry, who said that she was ‘absolutely ecstatic’.
Dutch born Dienie said that when she first came to Scotland she couldn’t even cook, but now has a real interest.
"I’m a great believer in using fresh local produce, and I love making jams and chutneys. Our Scottish berries are wonderful, and some of my first jam was made in Blairgowrie."
The World Jampionships were launched by Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association’s (BEPTA) Love to Eat – Food Heritage Project.
As a result, carefully packed jars of lovingly created jam were sent in from all over the UK, as well as South Africa, Holland, Canada and France.
The winners were announced at the Dundee Flower and Food Festival last weekend.
Results: – Berry Best Raspberry Jam in the World
Overall Jampion
Trisha Gagnon, Canada
Mrs D Stewart, Broughty Ferry. Dundee (Also UK Homemade Jampion)
1st Riley Bridgewater, Henfield, West Sussex
English Homemade
Overseas Homemade
1st Sandra Harrison, Durban, South Africa
Scottish Homemade
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