‘Rocha’ Pear and Redcurrant Jam with Melissa and Pink Pepper
Description
The Rocha Pear and Redcurrant Jam with Lemon Balm and Pink Pepper is a true celebration of innovation in Portuguese jam-making. The Rocha Pear from the Oeste region (PDO), an exclusively Portuguese variety known for its firm, juicy flesh and balanced flavor, blends with the sharp acidity of redcurrants to create a fresh, vibrant base. Lemon balm adds a delicate aromatic touch, sweet and lightly herbal, enhancing the sense of freshness. Pink pepper, with its fruity and aromatic berries, gives the finish a surprising resinous and gently spicy note, turning this jam into a unique and sophisticated experience.
The rich, slightly grainy texture highlights every layer of flavor, where the sweetness of the pear, the tartness of the redcurrant, the herbal freshness of lemon balm, and the subtle heat of pink pepper come together in perfect harmony. The result is a bold and distinctive jam that will delight even the most curious and discerning palates.
Versatile and creative, this jam pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like Brie, or with the intensity of blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton, and Gorgonzola. It is equally delicious spread on toast with Iberian ham, smoked meats, or black pork ham, elevating each bite to a gourmet experience. For more casual moments, it can accompany sushi, fresh salads, or even gourmet burgers, adding contrast and sophistication. On the sweet side, it is surprising as a filling for dark chocolate bonbons, pancakes, or cocoa-based cakes.
Handcrafted in small batches of up to 40 kg, this jam follows traditional methods, with more than 55% fruit and no additives, preservatives, or colorings. It is packaged in innovative, sustainable tubes made from 99.7% infinitely recyclable aluminum, which preserve freshness while being practical, hygienic, and easy to carry. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed preferably within 21 days, ensuring the best flavor experience.
Note: no caso de produtos de parceiros, a meia.dúzia reserva-se no direito, em caso de ruptura de stock, de substituir o produto em questão por um produto similar, de valor igual ou superior ao listado.
Suggested Use
This jam was crafted to surprise in bold and sophisticated pairings. It is an excellent accompaniment for smoked meats and premium cured hams, such as Pata Negra or Serrano, where the sweetness of Rocha pear and redcurrant, combined with the freshness of lemon balm and the subtle heat of pink pepper, enhances the richness and intensity of these flavors. On toast with brie, the creaminess of the cheese meets the jam’s vibrant contrast, creating a classic pairing with a refreshing, spiced twist.
With blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola, as well as with goat cheeses, this jam reveals all its versatility, softening the intensity of the cheese and adding a fruity and aromatic layer that balances the palate. It can also be used to transform salads into gourmet experiences, delivering an unexpected and elegant sweet-and-savory touch.
In more contemporary proposals, it pairs perfectly with sushi, where the contrast between the freshness of raw fish and the jam’s fruity, slightly spicy profile creates a daring yet balanced fusion. In gourmet burgers, it works as a distinctive element, adding sophistication and enriching every bite with layers of flavor.
For dessert lovers, it is a sublime choice as a filling for dark chocolate bonbons, where the jam’s acidity and freshness meet the intense sweetness of cocoa, resulting in an explosion of unexpected and unforgettable taste.
Recipes | Chef
- Sliced pata negra ham with Rocha pear and currant jam with lemongrass and pink pepper meia.dúzia® – 1ª Masterchef De Portugal
Ingredients
’Rocha’ Pear (45%), sugar, redcurrant (10%), melissa (0.8%). gelling agent (pectin), lemon juice and pink Peppercorns (0.1%). Prepared with 55 g of fruits per 100 g. Net weight: 75g.
Nutritional information
Average nutritional information per 100 g / 3.53 oz: Energy 687 kJ / 165 kcal ; Fats 0.2 g / 0.0 oz , of which saturated fat acids 0.0 g / 0.0 oz ; Carbohydrates 41.3 g / 1.5 oz , of which sugars 39.2 g / 1.4 oz ; Proteins 0.3 g / 0.0 oz ; Salt 0.0 g / 0.0 oz.
Origin of raw materials
The richness of the Rocha Pear and Redcurrant Jam with Lemon Balm and Pink Pepper is deeply rooted in its origins, bringing together exceptional Portuguese ingredients with exotic touches that, combined, create a truly unique experience.
Rocha Pear from the Oeste DOP
The Rocha Pear from the Oeste DOP is one of the jewels of Portuguese fruit cultivation and an exclusively national variety. Grown mainly on the Central Western Coast of Portugal, it covers around 10,000 hectares of orchards and is distinguished by its sweet flavor, juicy pulp, and firm texture. The combination of the region’s climate factors and the know-how passed down through generations of Oeste farmers results in fruit of exceptional organoleptic quality. Recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) by the European Union, it is not only a mark of quality but also a symbol of Portugal’s cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Redcurrant
Redcurrant brings a vibrant contrast to the jam, with its refreshing acidity and pronounced fruity notes. In Portugal, it is mainly grown in small-scale orchards and family farms, with harvesting taking place from mid- to late summer. This small, bright-red berry grows in clusters along the branches and enriches the jam with freshness and intensity, balancing the sweetness of the pear and creating a delicate, sophisticated harmony.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, organically grown in northern Portugal, adds a fresh aromatic profile to the jam, with lemon-like notes and a subtle herbal touch. Highly valued both in gastronomy and traditional infusions, lemon balm is synonymous with naturalness and authenticity. Its inclusion in this jam contributes an extra layer of freshness and smoothness, enhancing the fruity character and bringing perfect balance to the whole.
Pink Pepper
Pink pepper, also known as Brazilian pepper or poivre-rose, originates from South America and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Although called “pepper,” it is distinct for its fruity character, lightly resinous undertones, and sweetly aromatic profile. Its use in this jam adds an unexpected and sophisticated dimension, with a delicately spicy finish that enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.
The fusion of Rocha Pear from the Oeste DOP, Portuguese redcurrant, organic lemon balm, and pink pepper results in a jam that is both traditional and innovative. Each ingredient tells a story, from Portuguese cultural heritage to the international accents that broaden the spectrum of flavor. The result is a unique gourmet jam, a true symbol of the creativity and quality that define Portugal’s gastronomic identity.