Give your food luscious, low-sugar, tropical fruit flavor with The Royal Gourmet

As Americans, we’re supremely blessed with our food resources, especially with the bounty provided by Florida. We have access to what Europeans have to specially import and in the olden days, transport by dangerous caravan over the storied Silk Road. But our produce is seasonal and certain varieties are generally too delicate to ship. What about preserved fruit? You may be wondering, “How ‘come I can find apple butter on any Northern grocery or farm store shelf, but not the exotic tropical produce of Florida?” Well, wonder no more! The Royal Gourmet is an artisan company in South Florida, making preserved concoctions out of super premium, seasonal fruit. I was happy to be hosted to experience it!

They currently make 3 types of products: marmalades, jams and chutneys. They have a wide set of flavor profiles, so there are products that will well-pair with whatever you eat. They don’t use corn syrup. There’s just a touch of sugar and they’re slow-cooked in individual batches in copper kettles.

Go to their website to sign up for a free e-book, A Simple Guide to Cheese Pairing.

Mango Habanero is sweet, but in a natural, sun-ripened way with just a hint of oomph. It’s not “spicy”, just pure flavor! Kids will like it, too. Try mixed with horseradish for Jezebel sauce: this will perk up your turkey and roast beef sandwiches for a great change from sriracha sauce. You wanna add mayo? Fine, add mayo. Because it’s a syrup consistency, think of the old-school mandate for cocktails: a spirit, bitters and a sweet syrup. Let your imagination run wild with vodka, tequila, rum and other drinks. These are their pairing ideas:

Mango Habanero Pairing Ideas:

• Tacos
• Cured Meats
• Veggie wraps
• Indian Curry Dishes
• Condiment for Sandwiches
• Cheese and charcuterie boards
• To Marinade or glaze chicken, pork, fish, shrimp.

Red Onion Jam is not very sweet. It’s relish textured and flavored with home-style pickle seasonings. It also has balsamic vinegar and red wine. Try this as a baked topping on meatloaf or with rich Braunschweiger! Here are their pairing ideas:

Red Onion Jam Pairing Ideas:

• Put some on a hot dog
• Foie Gras and Pates
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Stir it into your mashed potatoes
• Add it to an omelet with mushrooms
• Add it to a baked potato with sour cream
• Put it on a pizza with Gorgonzola and pears
• Add it to pasta with roasted tomatoes and peppers
• Add it to crostini with figs and goat cheese & prosciutto
• Put it on a steak sandwich or burger with a grainy mustard and or blue cheese.

Hot Guava Marmalade is somehow “creamy” tasting and packs some heat! Think of this as a new ingredient in that classic Southern party fare: pour on top of a wheel of Brie or a big block of cream cheese, heat for just a bit and serve with salty Ritz crackers. This is how they suggest pairing:

Hot Guava Marmalade Pairing Ideas:

• Sauce for pork chops
• Marinade chicken wings
• Dip Chicken wings
• Cocktails with a spicy twist
• Bagels and cream cheese
• On mild unaged white cheese
• Cheese and Charcuterie boards

Guava Marmalade is a very unusual product: it has an earthy flavor. I would suggest pairing it with mushroomy cheeses, like Taleggio or Epoisse. Try it with a super funky, extra aged (perhaps only privately available), artisan Virginia country ham. Here’s what they suggest:

Guava Marmalade Pairing Ideas:

• Cocktails
• Pastry fillings
• Bagels and cream cheese
• Use to create a sauce for pork chops
• Cheese and Charcuterie boards
• Mixed with barbecue sauce to create a guava barbecue sauce

Orange Vodka Marmalade doesn’t have a boozy flavor, but the vodka lightens the flavors to take it out of the candied realm. Try it as an easy path to an Old Fashioned cocktail! Add a swirl to a fresh, cold strawberry soup as garnish. Cook with a little Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a glaze on duck or wild game. Here’s what they suggest:

• Pâtés
• Chocolate
• Croissants
• Pork and duck dishes
• Ideal for breakfast pastries
• Cheese and Charcuterie boards
• Wrap in puff pastry and bake to soften cheese
• Serve with wine and a sliced baguette as a snack
• Fromage D’Affinois cheese (in brie family but milder)