Our Story
Welcome to Cardinal Creations Jams & Jellies, where our family's love for jam making has been passed down through generations. Our story is one of tradition, quality, and community.
A Legacy of Flavour
Growing up, I spent most of my summer days at my grandparents' home. I waited all year long for June; not because school was out, but because June meant strawberry picking, and that meant it was the beginning of jam season. My grandparents and I would spend a long day at a local farm picking baskets upon baskets of strawberries. One for the basket, one for me... That was the fun of strawberry picking. The day always ended with a quick stop for ice cream before we went home & the real work began. I remember sitting outside with my grandma, watching as her bright red stained hands washed & cut the strawberries. She was always adamant that only the ripest, juiciest strawberries went in to the jam. As I grew older, I became more involved in the process with grandma. Eventually, we switched roles; I was the chef, and she was my helper. I wanted to make sure I learned everything I could from her.
Grandma always made a point to share her jam with the community. There were many properties we would visit to pick different fruits - mainly gooseberries, currants, and elderberries. These were hardly ever people that Grandma knew; she would notice in passing that fruit seemingly wasn't being used, and would knock on the door and ask if she could pick it. In return, she would bring back some jam. Between supplying jam for our family, sharing with friends and neighbours, and donations to the her church, there were hardly any leftovers by the time the next summer rolled around.
These memories make up so much of my childhood, and I hold them very close to my heart. After my grandma's passing, I decided that I wanted to carry on the tradition. I started making her jams, and sharing them with friends, family and neighbours as she would have done. Eventually, I decided to branch out from the comfort of Grandma's traditional recipes, and put my own twist on things. After much encouragement from friends & family, I warmed up to the idea of selling my jams. As such, Cardinal Creations Jams & Jellies was born.
Locally Sourced
We take pride in using locally sourced ingredients from farms in Ottawa, the Niagara region, and Quebec. By supporting local farmers, we ensure the freshest and most delicious fruits go into each jar. Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of our business.
Preserving Tradition, Spreading Joy
At Cardinal Creations, we blend tradition with innovation to create unique flavor combinations that bring joy to your table. Whether it's a traditional jam or a unique new flavour, each product is crafted with care and a touch of nostalgia.
Experience the Taste of Tradition
Explore our selection of jams and jellies to discover the flavors that have been delighting families for years. Join us in preserving the essence of homemade goodness.