Congratulations are in order for nine-year-old Flora Rider from the Isle of Wight, who has fought off thousands of competitors in the 2021 Homemade Marmalade Awards.
Flora’s Seville Orange and Orange Blossom Marmalade is not only a double Gold winner, but is also being carefully replicated by artisan producers, Thursday Cottage, and sold in Fortnum and Mason stores, as well as online and even in Hong Kong.
There were over 3,000 entrants from over 30 countries in the competition.
A first-time marmalade maker
To have taken the top spot at nine-years-old is an amazing feat, but even more so when you learn that Flora is a first-time marmalade maker.
The results were phenomenal, as Flora’s Seville Orange and Orange Blossom Marmalade bowled over the judges and was unanimously declared the winner, not just of the Children’s category, but of the whole competition.
Speaking after the awards, Flora said,
“I really enjoyed making marmalade for the first time back in January. It was such a fun activity to do during lockdown. I enjoyed shredding the peel and filling the jars but best of all I enjoyed eating the finished marmalade!
“I liked the thought of adding flowers to my marmalade and so using orange blossom seemed like a good idea.
“The taste of the marmalade was very nice with a lovely floral and honey flavour. It made me feel happy and my marmalade looked like a little pot of sunshine.
“I’m so excited to have won the Marmalade Awards and help raise money for Hospice charities.”
The 2021 Marmalade Awards
For over fifteen years, tens of thousands of marmalade jars have been judged at Dalemain. However, the 2021 Marmalade Awards almost never happened, owing to the third UK Coronavirus lockdown. But founder Jane Hasell-McCosh was determined to continue with the competition.
Jane says,
“The Awards bring such happiness to thousands of people every year, and even though we clearly couldn’t have a Festival as usual, it seemed so important to continue with the competition.
“It creates such a wonderful sense of community all around the world, as well as giving people something fun and creative to do during a difficult time.
“I discovered marmalade making as a child with my mother and I am delighted that our winner has done the same, and at such a young age – the future is clearly very bright for marmalade!”
For the full list of winners, head over to the Dalemain Website.
Thanks to all the readers who got in touch to give us the heads-up
Image: © Dalemain
