Fundão Cherry Extra Jam with Brandy
Description
The Fundão Cherry Extra Jam with Brandy is a sophisticated creation that combines the fruity intensity of Fundão Cherries (PGI) with the aromatic, wine-based character of Portuguese brandy. Grown in the Cova da Beira region, between the Gardunha, Estrela, and Malcata mountains, these cherries stand out for their firm pulp, fleshy texture, and balanced sweetness, making them one of the most iconic fruits of Portugal. Their natural richness finds the perfect complement in Portuguese brandy, distilled from grapes such as Arinto, Periquita, Trincadeira, and Fernão Pires, aged in oak barrels, and adding warm and elegant notes to this jam.
The result is a bold and refined fusion, marked by contrast and harmony: the juicy freshness of the cherry is balanced with the warm depth and complexity of the brandy, creating a unique experience for those who appreciate intensity and sophistication. Each tasting becomes a sensory journey, celebrating Portugal’s agricultural traditions and mastery in spirit-making.
This jam pairs beautifully with cheeses of varying intensity, from the robust São Jorge Island Cheese (PDO) to the milder Castelo Branco Fresh Cheese, as well as international options such as Beato de Tábara or Asiago (PDO). It is also an excellent topping for vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, waffles, or crêpes—or simply enjoyed at breakfast or tea time with warm scones.
meia.dúzia® jams in tubes are ranked #1 worldwide and have received multiple international awards for flavor and innovation: Gourmet Salon in Madrid (2014 and 2016), ITQI Superior Taste Awards in Brussels (2015 and 2016), and GREAT TASTE Awards in the UK (2015 and 2017). Each jam is handcrafted in small batches of up to 40 kg, following traditional methods: fresh fruit from different regions of Portugal, more than 55% fruit per recipe, reduced sugar, and no colorings, preservatives, or additives.
The innovative tube packaging is practical, hygienic, and sustainable: easy to use, carry, and store, while keeping the jam fresh longer by protecting it from light and reducing air contact after opening. Made with more than 99.7% infinitely recyclable aluminum, it reflects a strong commitment to both quality and the environment. To recycle, place the empty tube in the yellow recycling bin. For best preservation, store at room temperature before opening and, once opened, refrigerate and consume preferably within 21 days.
Suggested Use
The Fundão Cherry Extra Jam with Brandy is the perfect pairing for a wide variety of cheeses. Its fruity intensity and wine-like notes harmonize beautifully with the bold flavor of São Jorge Island Cheese (PDO), contrast elegantly with the smoothness of Castelo Branco Fresh Cheese, and enhance the creaminess of selections such as Beato de Tábara Cheese or Asiago Cheese (PDO). This balance between sweet and savory transforms any cheese board into a refined and unforgettable experience.
This jam also reveals its full potential in desserts. The freshness of the cherry and the depth of the brandy elevate vanilla ice cream, adding elegance and sophistication, while creating an irresistible topping for cheesecake, waffles, or crêpes. Its silky texture and intense flavor make every dessert richer and more indulgent, delighting even the most demanding palates.
In everyday moments, this jam is equally versatile. Served at breakfast or as an afternoon treat, it pairs perfectly with freshly baked scones, adding a layer of fruity and brandy-infused flavor that contrasts with the lightness of the pastry. It is also an excellent choice spread on fresh bread or whole-grain toast, turning a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
More than just a jam, it is an ingredient capable of elevating any dish—whether on a cheese board, in a creative dessert, or as part of a relaxed snack—always with the signature of Portugal’s authentic flavors.
Recipes | Chef
- Yogurt with red fruits, lemon zest and cherry jam with brandy meia.dúzia® - Chef Ignatius
- Kiwi, green apple, arugula, mozzarella cheese salad with cherry jam with brandy
Ingredients
‘Fundão’ cherry (55%), sugar, brandy (1.8%) (contains sulfites), gelling agent (pectin) and lemon juice. Prepared with 55 g of fruits per 100 g. Net weight: 75g. Contains alcohol.
Nutritional information
Average nutritional information per 100 g / 3.53 oz: Energy 690 kJ / 165 kcal ; Fats 0.4 g / 0.0 oz , of which saturated fat acids 0.1 g / 0.0 oz ; Carbohydrates 39.6 g / 1.4 oz , of which sugars 38.5 g / 1.4 oz ; Proteins 0.5 g / 0.0 oz ; Salt 0.0 g / 0.0 oz.
Allergens: Contains sulfites.
Origin of raw materials
The story of this jam is born from the fusion of Portuguese agricultural tradition and the wine-making heritage that distinguishes our country.
Fundão Cherry PGI
The Fundão Cherry is one of Portugal’s most iconic fruits, grown in orchards nestled between the Gardunha, Estrela, and Malcata mountains. Thanks to the unique microclimate of the Cova da Beira region, these cherries boast firm consistency, fleshy pulp, and a naturally sweet flavor that sets them apart from any other variety. Their color ranges from bright red to deep red-purple, and in some varieties, even takes on orange hues. With Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), the Fundão Cherry is now recognized as one of the best in Europe—a true symbol of quality and authenticity—widely used in both traditional Portuguese desserts and modern culinary creations.
Portuguese Brandy
Portuguese brandy is crafted through the distillation of carefully selected grape varieties such as Arinto, Periquita, Trincadeira, and Fernão Pires, which give it a rich and well-balanced profile. After distillation, the brandy ages slowly in oak barrels, acquiring complex aromas, toasted wood notes, and an unmistakable smoothness. This artisanal process, combined with the knowledge passed down through generations, makes Portuguese brandy a spirit of excellence, highly valued both in Portugal and abroad. In this jam, it adds an aromatic and wine-like depth that both contrasts with and complements the succulent sweetness of the cherry, creating a refined and sophisticated experience.
The fusion of the juicy sweetness of Fundão Cherry PGI with the aromatic depth of Portuguese brandy creates a combination that transcends borders. It is a celebration of authentic Portuguese flavors, where fruit of excellence and wine-making tradition meet in a unique jam, capable of evoking both the freshness of orchards in full spring and the comforting warmth of the cellars where brandy rests.