Passionfruit twist wins Marmalade championship
Hermione MccoshA passionfruit and Seville orange marmalade has won the top prize at the 21st World Marmalade Awards.
Somerset-man David Hinkins' jar was named "the best marmalade in the world" out of a selection of more than 3,400 entries.
The festival at Dalemain, near Penrith in Cumbria, saw a spread of entries from countries including Finland and Japan, and flavourings such as Taiwanese sea water, coffee and snow fungus.
"I can't believe it," Hinkins said of victory, which means his creation will be sold to raise help funds for a local hospice. "It's been fun for the last 11 years, getting that little bit better every year and helping such a worthy cause along the way.''
The citrus-based creations were judged by a small group of experts in a blind tasting.
Fortnum & Mason grocery assistant buyer Lily McBlain said the "wonderful, clever marmalade" was an "exceptional jar from many outstanding entries".
Award director Beatrice Hasell-McCosh said: "This year marks our 21st anniversary and so a passionfruit marmalade seems hugely appropriate for those who feel passionate about this much-loved preserve."
Mary-Lee WinklerThe champion marmalade will be sold at Dalemain and Fortnum & Mason, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the charity Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.
Organisers said the competition had raised more than £380,000 for the hospice since 2005.
