Description
Highfield Preserves Real Ale Chutney
A Proper British Classic With Plenty Of Character
Highfield’s Real Ale Chutney is a classic British preserve that shines on any cheeseboard. Made by Highfield Preserves, it combines the malty richness of real ale with sweet, tangy, slow-cooked fruit and veg, pure comfort and a nod to traditional preserving.
Flavour Profile
The ale stands out here. Real ale, unlike mass-produced kinds, is unpasteurised and naturally conditioned for a full body and deep, malty flavour. Slow cooking in the chutney transforms it into caramelised, gently bitter depth, with malt sweetness and a hint of toasted grain left behind.
The chutney is bold but balanced. Onions, apples, raisins, and dates are melted down for a smooth mix. Vinegar adds a lively tang, with background spices like mustard seed giving gentle warmth.
A gentle fruit sweetness leads, followed by savoury onion, malty notes, bright vinegar, and roasted ale depth. It’s thick, spoonable, and feels properly homemade with soft chunks of fruit and onion.
Cheese Pairing Ideas
All these flavours make it perfect with cheese. The sweet-tangy mix pairs well with creamy, salty, and strong cheeses, making it a winner on any cheeseboard.
- Cheddar is classic. Mature Cheddar is firm, nutty and strong, and the chutney’s sweetness balances it while the ale highlights Britain’s love of beer and cheese. Try a dollop on a cracker with Keen’s Extra Mature Cheddar; it’s a real treat.
- It’s also lovely with crumbly blue cheeses like Colston Bassett Blue Stilton PDO. The salty, punchy flavours of blue cheese get a nice lift from the chutney’s fruit and malt, making for that classic sweet-salty combo that us cheesemongers are always raving about.
- It also works nicely with Baron Bigod or Tunworth. The creamy, buttery textures of these cheeses benefit from the chutney’s acidity and spice, which help cut through their richness. When served with baked Camembert, a spoonful of the chutney on top can add complexity and colour.
- Rutland Red is another good match. Its nutty flavour and crumbly texture pair well with the chutney’s malty notes for a comforting, British combination.
Jen’s Note: Real Ale Chutney is not just for cheeseboards. I love to add it to sandwiches, enjoy it with a ploughman’s lunch, or sneak some into a savoury pastry. I’m sure you’ll find that spoonful adds a bit more depth and a lovely hint of sweetness to a range of dishes.
Buying Real Ale Chutney
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
White-wine vinegar, onions, dates (13%), carrots, raisins (8%), swede, apples, (6%), sugar, soft brown sugar, ale (malted BARLEY, malt WHEAT, hops) (3%), gherkins, salt, yellow MUSTARD seeds, garlic puree, chilli powder, spices.
Nutritional Values (per 100g):
Energy: 618kJ/146kcal
Fat: 0.0g
of which saturates: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: 32.0g
of which sugars: 31.0g
Protein: 1.5g
Salt: 0.70g
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
