As summer winds down, we’re overcome with gratitude for all the bounty the North Fork has offered: plump red strawberries, tart blackberries, succulent peaches. In retrospect, the season for each fruit can seem fleeting. That’s why we’re especially thankful for jam, the perfect way to savor the taste of summer all year long.
Twist open a jar of these locally available jams to slather on an English muffin, add as an accompaniment to a cheese board, up your barbecue game or add a spoonful to a glass of seltzer for a refreshing mocktail.
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB | Briermere Farms, Riverhead
Pie is the main event at this iconic Sound Avenue stand, but there are nearly two dozen jams, jellies and syrups on the menu also sourced from their fruit farm.
The ruby-red strawberry rhubarb jam is an ode to spring and a natural pairing of tart and sweet.
You can also find more uncommon jellies, like crabapple and gooseberry.
CARROT CAKE | Schmitt’s Farm, Riverhead
A unique departure from the usual berry jams, this has quickly become a pantry staple I keep for enjoying at breakfast, dessert or, my personal favorite, drizzled between a salty cheese and crisp cracker.
PATRIOTIC JAM | Wickham’s Fruit Farm, Cutchogue
Fruit at Wickham’s is grown on 200 acres of some of the oldest farmland in the country, dating back to the 1600s. The patriotic blend is a trio of red raspberries, white apple and blueberries and will transport you instantly back to July.
RED RASPBERRY JAM | Blossom Meadow Farm, Southold
An abundance of summer berries are a sight to behold at Laura Klahre’s Southold farm. The red raspberry jam is mouthwatering, flavorful and perfectly spreadable and has won several awards, including at the 2020 Good Food awards, 2021 International Flavor Awards and first place at the 2021 Riverhead Country Fair.
GATOR JAM | Breitenbach Farms, Aquebogue
A combination of ginger, apple, tangerine, oranges and raspberries, this jam has spicy and sugary notes. Enjoy at breakfast or try it as a glaze over grilled meats.
FIG JAM | Hallock’s Cider Mill, Laurel
Fig jam is a favorite from this Laurel farm stand, where homemade recipes are on display at every turn. Try it on your next cheese board or over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
