Polly & Archie’s Homemade Chutney, Vinegar and Pickle

Polly and Archie were also rescues, however, have passed away. Polly at 18 years and Archie at just 8 months with stomach cancer.

2. Why chutneys? A friend in work made chutneys and alcoholic drinks at home. I asked her to show me how to do this. I went to her house armed with boxes of vegetables, more vegetables, sugars, spices, vinegars and jars. We cooked all day, absolutely reeked of vinegar and that started my love of making chutneys. As my confidence grew, I started making hampers with my chutneys etc at Christmas time. So five years later, with positive feedback, I decided to give it a go.

3. I worked in the world of pharmacy for 36 years and decide to take a break. I was asked to do a stall at a craft fair before Christmas in 2021 and thought why not. But knew I couldn't sell my goods without a food rating etc. Contacted the council - food rating sorted (5)😊 Labelling - that's very challenging - but got there in the end. All labels are home made at the moment and will sort a printing company in due course.

4. What do I make? A variety of chutneys, pickles and flavoured vinegar. Flavours are seasonal. Its been a great learning curve and tinkering with recipes to get a nice flavours.

5. Ingredients
When I can, I use fruit and vegetables from the local area. This includes:
Apples from Inver, Straid and Blackcave, Blackberries from Larne and Ballygally, Plums from Drains Bay, Rhubarb from Inver and Straid, Tomatoes from Wyncairn, Courgettes and Cucumbers from Starbog; and occasionally Carrots from Glenarm.

6. What do you do with Chutney/Pickles? Loads, loads and loads!! Basically anything you might add red or brown sauce to, you can add a chutney/pickle instead. It just gives the meal that extra bit of zing!! Popular on crackers, with cheese, pate, on burgers, with all meats, eggs, add to salads, kebabs, tacos, stir into stews, drop onto a pizza, casseroles, curries etc. Even great with a fry!!

7. What about the vinegar? Mainly for salads - fruit and savoury. Add to olive oil and balsamic to make a delicious salad dressing/vinaigrette; or add to a cocktail. My favourite - add to a glass of fizzy water with a slice of lime, or into a glass of wine/prosecco. Delicious.

8. Additives
I do not add any additives such as gelling agents, maize, starch cornflour, flavouring agents, colouring agents etc to my products. They are basically fruit veg, sugar, vinegar and spices. The majority of products are at least 60% fruit and/or veg.

9. Allergens
Any allergens are clearly highlighted on the labels. I have sourced a Sulphite Free Vinegar and use this. I have also adapted the recipes which use Malt Vinegar (Barley) and no longer use this; this means those with a Gluten Intolerance or require Gluten Free foods, can eat my produce. Hope you enjoy !!😊😊