Down with Big Jam is not my rallying cry. I have several jars of grocery store jam in my fridge as we speak (Crofters is fantastic and I am no stranger to Bonne Maman’s cult favorite jam advent calendar). But I do think a handmade jar of jam from a small business is one of the nicest little luxuries you can buy for yourself (or others). I asked my mom if she liked jam, and she replied cheerfully and loudly, “Sure do!” Most people do, really; I don’t know why I even asked. It’s a slam dunk gift, just as welcome as a bottle of wine or a houseplant.
Gift Jam can even change your life. Aisha Newchurch was given a jar of homemade jam at a wedding and it inspired her to start making jam herself - which quickly became her new career path.
Jammin on the One is made in small batches, with seasonal local fruit, and each jar is hand-poured. Newchurch sees jam-making as a way to honor the traditions of preserving and canning in the black community, and also to elevate the profile of black-owned small businesses:
I haven’t seen anybody else like me selling jam at the markets I go to. I’m the only one. The impact is great because there’s this black chick doing something people don’t see. It’s different.
Dayum this is my Jam is owned by Andy Waller, who identifies as queer, trans and non-binary. Duyam Jam is committed to LGTBQ liberation, women’s rights, and dismantling white supremacy.
They’ve got jams, pickles, hot sauces and salsas named after hit songs: Dude Looks Marmalady. Comfortably Plum. Psycho Diller. Buy their Mix Tape Minis assortment or better yet, join their jam of the month club: Club of the Dayumed. (And, if you want to learn how to be a better ally in the workplace, read Andy’s description of corporate life and take notes on what not to do as a coworker or manager.)
If you’re a fan of swicy - that’s sweet and spicy, one of the past year’s hottest food trends - then you’ll want to check out Janet’s Finest Compotes. Made by two sisters using their mom’s recipes, these compotes (which Janet’s describes as not quite jam, not quite syrup) are made with berries and jalapenos, delivering a mild kick.
But don’t worry - they’re made by and in the Midwest, by Midwesterners, so they’re just Midwest spicy (iykyk).
Next up: Quick Dinners II