The first ever man to win the World Jampionships has been announced, with 2014 also marking the first year the award has been held by a Scot.
Andrew Cameron from Dundee took the coveted World Jampion award for amateur jam-makers with his blackcurrant jam, while the Artisan Jam Maker title (for those making jam professionally in small batches using traditional methods) was awarded to Yvonne Lloyd from Craigallan Jams in Cupar, Fife for her Tutti Frutti jam.
Now in its fourth year, the competition has attracted entries from as far afield as South Korea, Spain, Czech Republic and America. This year entries were almost double last year's numbers with over 500 received. The judging took place over two days at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath.
Tracey Baxter, World Jampionship Founder and Organiser said: "We're staggered by the sheer quantity of entries this year and our judges have tasted around 550 different jams and jellies. Luckily the quality has been superb too and we never tire of jam. With entries coming from across the world, it's clear that jam has worldwide appeal and never goes out of fashion. We've received entries from young children, men in their 80s and women across the world. It just goes to show that jam is something everyone can make and we're determined to encourage everyone to develop their preserving skills."
Judges came from across Great Britain to taste every entry. Flavours ranged from traditional heritage varieties like strawberry, raspberry and blackcurrant to more unusual combinations like sour cherry & herring liqueur, spiced rum, banana and ginger; rhubarb, lemon grass and amaretto vodka; and an unusual banana and nut entry from America.
Martin Grant of Mackays, the headline sponsor of the World Jampionships said: "We are delighted by the response to this year's World Jampionships and to see that traditional jam making is still being taught and enjoyed by individuals around the world. Mackays make all products the authentic way in copper pans, just as the entrants do, and it's fantastic to be part of a competition that celebrates all things great about preserving."
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