It’s Official – Devon is Home to the UK’s Best Str

8th December 2010

Devon’s Lori Reich takes home national jamming accolade and the UK’s first strawberry jam inspired cooker created by Stoves

A strawberry jam, grown and produced in Devon, has been crowned the very best in the UK in a national competition run by jamming experts, the Women’s Institute, and home appliance brand, Stoves.

The WI Real Jam Festival, which took place last month, was the first national jam making competition of its kind and was open to absolutely everyone in the UK. The competition received over 500 entries from across the country – including men, children and the odd celebrity.

Judged by a panel of Women’s Institute preserve experts, Lori Reich’s strawberry jam, which was made using fruit grown on her farm in Teignmouth, was declared the winner of the strawberry jam category in a jam-packed two day festival.

But that’s not all … alongside the prestigious strawberry jamming accolade, by a twist of fate, Lori was also declared the very fitting winner of a limited edition strawberry jam inspired cooker after her name was pulled out of a free prize draw at the festival.

Produced especially for the festival by home appliance brand Stoves, the limited edition strawberry themed Richmond Mini Range cooker was star prize in the draw which was free to enter for all festival visitors.

Lori, who grows fruit and vegetables with her husband at Shute Fruit and produce in Teignmouth, also makes and sells preserves and chutneys at local farmers markets and River Cottage. The cooker will take pride of place in her kitchen and be used to continue producing award-winning jams.

Speaking about the prize she said: “I was thrilled that my strawberry jam came top of the category but to win the cooker as well really made the day extra special. My current cooker is very much on its last legs and I was in dire need of a replacement.  When my name was pulled out of the hat I really couldn’t believe that I had won. It is such a fitting design and will be a fantastic addition to my kitchen. I’m sure it will make my preserves and chutneys taste even more special!”

For more information about Shute Fruit and Produce and for details on where to purchase Lori’s award winning jams and chutneys visit www.shutefruit.co.uk

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