insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 53

FOOD+DRINK

Chilli Jam
When Jane Jones made her first jar of chilli jam back in 2011, she had
no idea that over the next four years she would end up making thousands
of them – and selling them. What began as a simple case of curiosity
turned into a successful small business, which is now run from her
kitchen in Brasted, near Sevenoaks, although she hopes to soon be
able to open a shop to see her wares.

Jane has always been a keen cook, experimenting
with her dishes and adding unusual ingredients
in a bid to come up with new and exciting recipes.
However, it was her chilli jam formula that kicked
off her journey from happy home cook to
professional culinarian. Starting out at local
markets, Jane's original chilli jam was soon a big
hit, with repeat customers clamouring for more
each month, and new fans lining up to try this
unusually sweet, yet spicy condiment.
Jane now makes a large variety of chilli jams –
from the original (sweet and tangy), to the Bonnet
Blaster (hot and spicy), and the Bhut Jolokia
(extremely hot – so hot it comes with a caution
on the label!). This last variety has jokingly become
known as ‘Man Jam’, as many men wanted to
try it to prove they could take the heat. From
that, the Man Jam Challenge sprung up, which
was a best seller at Christmas. ‘All’ you have to

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do is swallow a spoonful of Bhut Jolokia chilli
jam without coughing or spluttering…
Thanks to Chilli Jam Factory’s success, Jane
has released a cookery book (Things To Do With
Chilli Jam); branched out into Indian chutneys,
sauces and cooking sauces that incorporate
chillies; and her latest endeavour is wedding
favours. These tiny pots of chilli jam (in whatever
variety you choose) are ideal as unique and fun
gifts for wedding guests, and are a great talking
point too!

www.chillijamfactory.co.uk