Description
Highfield Preserves Red Onion Marmalade
A Perfect Accompaniment To Cheese
Highfield’s Red Onion Marmalade is one of those jars I always like to have on hand. It’s got just the right mix of sweetness, tang, and savoury depth to lift all sorts of everyday dishes. Made in small batches, it really brings out the richness of slow-cooked red onions, and you can tell the ingredients are chosen with care. Unlike your usual fruit marmalades, this one’s a bit more robust and perfect for anyone who likes to try something a little different or just wants to add a touch of something special to their pantry.
Flavour Profile
The first thing you’ll notice is the deep burgundy colour; it looks as good as it tastes. It’s thick and spoonable, with lovely strands of onion running through a glossy, syrupy base. It spreads easily but still holds its own on a cheese board or next to some roast meat.
Give it a good smell, and you’ll get that lovely mix of caramelised onions, a bit of brown sugar, and just a hint of vinegar to keep things lively. Sometimes there’s a little black pepper or thyme in the background, but nothing that takes over. It’s all nicely balanced.
Taste-wise, you get a gentle sweetness up front, then the savoury onion flavour comes through. The caramelised onions make it rich and almost jammy, but there’s enough tang to keep it from being too sweet. That balance of sweet and tart is what makes this marmalade so moreish.
As you go, you start to notice a bit more depth; there’s a savoury, almost umami note that makes it work with all sorts of foods. The finish is just tangy enough to keep you coming back for another bite.
Cheese Pairing Ideas
What I love most is how versatile this marmalade is. It’s great as a condiment or stirred into dishes. But I think it really comes into its own on a cheeseboard.
- The classic match is a soft cheese like Dongé Brie or Tunworth; they get a lift from the tanginess of the onion
- Hard cheeses like Montgomery’s Cheddar or Aged Gouda are brilliant with its sweetness
- One of my favourite easy dinners is a grilled veg sandwich with Chèvre Bûche goat cheese and a good smear of this marmalade; simple but so satisfying
Jen’s Note: Try it with roast or grilled meats; lamb, beef, or pork all work a treat. I like to add a spoonful next to a steak or use it as a glaze for roast pork. The sweetness caramelises, giving a lovely contrast to the savoury meat.
Buying Red Onion Marmalade
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
Red onions (52%), demerara sugar, balsamic vinegar (15%), soft brown sugar, water, redcurrants, sugar, fruit pectin, salt
Nutritional Values (per 100g):
Energy: 767kJ/181kcal
Fat: 0.0g
of which saturates: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: 42.0g
of which sugars: 40.0g
Protein: 1.1g
Salt: 0.10g
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
