Mahalo Honomu Jams and Jellies

I don't usually do product endorsements but while vacationing in Hawaii I stumbled upon a yummy find - Honomu Jams and Jellies.  Honomu Jams is produced by Akana Falls Farms, a family-owned company on the Big Island. Their orchard and organic garden is located in the historical agricultural community of Honomu, on an old sugar plantation bordered by the Akaka Falls State Park. They grow a variety of fruits including heritage citrus varieties of oranges, tangerines, limes, and tropicals including mangos, papayas, passion fruit, star fruit, guavas, lychees, rambutans, and bananas.

Boasting "quality control from seed and tree to jar." They produce a number of exotic jams, jellies, and fruit butters. Everything is handmade in small batches with all natural and organically grown fruit, using no preservatives. I sampled at least a dozen products and my favorites include the Hot Passion Fruit Hawaiian Pepper Jelly, Tahitian Lime Ginger Jelly and Calamondin Jam.

The Passion Fruit Hawaiian Pepper Jelly is a tantalizing blend of sweet tang and spicy heat. Balanced and lively.  It wakes up the senses the way Thai and Indian foods do with layers of nectarious fruit and piquant sharpness. I used the Passion Fruit Hawaiian Pepper Jelly as a glaze for barbecued pork tenderloin while on the island but think it will be equally as good on chicken and chicken wings.  I also enjoy it with salty cheeses like sharp cheddar and manchego, as well as cream cheese.

The Tahitian Lime Ginger Jelly is outstanding on firm white fish like halibut, ono, and swordfish.  The delicate acidity of the lime paired with sweet, pungency of the ginger is perfect for fish, shrimp and chicken. I think it would be a great topper for citrus cheesecake too!

Calamondin is a type of orange common in the Philippines. The flavor is often described as a cross between a Mandarin orange and a kumquat, so it's more sour than sweet. The Calamondin Jam reminds me of a good orange marmalade - not too cloying and a nice citrus aroma.  Perfect on a buttery English muffin.

Here's the best part - they ship!  So, if you are looking for some delicious and unusual jams, jellies, and syrups check out Honomu Jams and Jellies! and let them know that Chef Erin sent you.  Mahalo!