I think I'm in for two sets... one to use in homemade pop tarts and the other to add to different ice cream flavors. These worked very well for both purposes too.

wqu2006 wrote:Interesting flavors...how long are they good for after opening them??

About 2 months after you open them. But, hopefully you will enjoy the mso much it will not stay in your refirgetator that long. Sylvia

nmpls wrote:That is going to be an expensive PB and J.

I'm always surprised when people complain that these items are too expensive. Unless one is comparing these items to store-brand jams (that are filled with low quality fruit, high fructose corn syrup and assorted preservatives), this is an excellent price for an artisanal level product, especially considering that these jars are each over one pound! This weekend go to a Whole Foods or a farmer's market and see what they are charging for a 6 oz jar of jam. I've never tried this brand, but I'm in for one.

lichme wrote:They taste much better served with cheese and crackers than they do in between two slices of bread.

Yes, I agree. great for entertainment. The fresh walnut is amazing with blue cheese, pate, prosciutto, apricot with parmigianno reggiano and the sour cherry with creamy cheeses like brie. Enjoy with a glass of wine. Sylvia

Ok, I will ask the question.

Are these Kosher?

janden wrote:I'm always surprised when people complain that these items are too expensive. Unless one is comparing these items to store-brand jams (that are filled with low quality fruit, high fructose corn syrup and assorted preservatives), this is an excellent price for an artisanal level product, especially considering that these jars are each over one pound! This weekend go to a Whole Foods or a farmer's market and see what they are charging for a 6 oz jar of jam. I've never tried this brand, but I'm in for one.

Thank you, We work with fresh fruts only. No Pectin (jellying component) Almost all packers use pectin to add syrups and water in order to use less fruit sometimes no fruits at all. it is simply two different prodcuts.

North316 wrote:Ok, I will ask the question.

Are these Kosher?

All of our Preserves are OU Certified.

editorkid wrote: homemade pop tarts

That sounds delicious.

Bione wrote:There are different forms of "their" as well. They're not interchangeable.

I'll blame it on auto correct on a small screen while I was still groggy.

editorkid wrote: ... one to use in homemade pop tarts ...

Never heard of anyone making homemade pop tarts. How do you do it?

mdnorman wrote:I don't believe you. There's no way you're getting the SAME item for $2.49.

Well, it's not Harvest Song brand, but it's still the same type of walnut, sour cherry, apricot, etc. preserves coming from the same Ararat Valley (produced there). It's my guess that Harvest Song is just another importer, just like all the other brands I see on the shelf, and they just put their own label on the jars and perhaps wrap that paper on top to make it look fancy. It wouldn't surprise me if the same producers make this stuff for a variety of different brands and even if they don't, the other makers of this stuff are making it in the same place from the same crops using the same techniques. I've looked at the ingredients on these jars and it's the same as these.

I will say, though, that these jars may be a little bigger than what I see for $2.49. Those, I think, are only 12oz or 14oz jars.

DaZoneRanger wrote:Well, it's not Harvest Song brand, but it's still the same type of walnut, sour cherry, apricot, etc. preserves coming from the same Ararat Valley (produced there). It's my guess that Harvest Song is just another importer, just like all the other brands I see on the shelf, and they just put their own label on the jars and perhaps wrap that paper on top to make it look fancy. It wouldn't surprise me if the same producers make this stuff for a variety of different brands and even if they don't, the other makers of this stuff are making it in the same place from the same crops using the same techniques. I've looked at the ingredients on these jars and it's the same as these.

I will say, though, that these jars may be a little bigger than what I see for $2.49. Those, I think, are only 12oz or 14oz jars.

Thank you for the great post. However, having two presaerves from the same country does not make it hte same product. It's like saying all US preserves are the same. it is very broad conclusion. Also, we work excluseively with farmers under our contract only which means that all farming has to be 100 % with no chemicals this is very important part. We have lowered the sugar content and our cannery is SGS certification, along wiht all our prodcuts are Swiss LAb certified, gluten free and OU certified. All of our preserves are far more chunky fruits with out any pectin.. I like to think our preserves are PREMIUM quality..

These look great. In for one!

Woot, please bring back the Maison de Monaco preserves too. Those were delicious!

sylviatirakian wrote:Thank you for the great post. However, having two presaerves from the same country does not make it hte same product. It's like saying all US preserves are the same. it is very broad conclusion. Also, we work excluseively with farmers under our contract only which means that all farming has to be 100 % with no chemicals this is very important part. We have lowered the sugar content and our cannery is SGS certification, along wiht all our prodcuts are Swiss LAb certified, gluten free and OU certified. All of our preserves are far more chunky fruits with out any pectin.. I like to think our preserves are PREMIUM quality..

In all fairness, I was merely saying I can get similar stuff on sale to try. I will say that there are more expensive brands in these same stores, also, costing, I believe, about the same price as these offered on Woot (at the woot prices). It does make sense that there are variances in quality that are reflected in price. I'm sure this a good product and if you aren't already selling it here, perhaps can find a market in Glendale for it, as Glendale has the largest concentration of Armenians in the US and one of the largest outside of Armenia. I'm sure you already know that, though! I'm pretty poor, these days, though, so I'll start with the sale brand, for now. Seeing these flavors here on Woot, though, really is pushing me to finally try them. Thank you.

Sorry but I am not gullible enough to pay $25 for 3 jars. I can get fresh organically and locally grown preserves for less. The shipping,handling and marketing cost make up a major portion of the cost and why it is smarter to buy locally whenever possible.

janden wrote:I'm always surprised when people complain that these items are too expensive. Unless one is comparing these items to store-brand jams (that are filled with low quality fruit, high fructose corn syrup and assorted preservatives), this is an excellent price for an artisanal level product, especially considering that these jars are each over one pound! This weekend go to a Whole Foods or a farmer's market and see what they are charging for a 6 oz jar of jam. I've never tried this brand, but I'm in for one.

I am always amused by people who are willing to pay a premium price for a product simply because a marketing company uses the word "artisan".

I consider myself a "foodie" and had purchased the walnut previously at Williams-Sonoma because it was so unusual. I found them delicious. Other people who tried them found the texture too unexpected for walnuts.

The texture is quite soft, and the flavors and sweetness are just right. Great with cheeses (stilton or brie-type) and / or ice cream.

I would purchase, but still have some jars. Are they really only good for two months after opening? What would happen beyond that that would not be safe?

hasopt wrote:I consider myself a "foodie" and had purchased the walnut previously at Williams-Sonoma because it was so unusual. I found them delicious. Other people who tried them found the texture too unexpected for walnuts.

The texture is quite soft, and the flavors and sweetness are just right. Great with cheeses (stilton or brie-type) and / or ice cream.

I would purchase, but still have some jars. Are they really only good for two months after opening? What would happen beyond that that would not be safe?

It is safe because there is no dairy or meat ingredients in it. It would not be it's premium taste if it stay too long in the fridge. But, the shelf life unopenned is over a year. It's fun addition on the cupboard to use it or for a last minute hostess gift. Thank you

editorkid wrote:I think I'm in for two sets... one to use in homemade pop tarts and the other to add to different ice cream flavors. These worked very well for both purposes too.

home made pop tarts? please share recipe!!

In for 1... I have other Harvest Song preserves before and they are super YUMMY!!! It is soooo hard to find preserves without High fructose corn syrup, or they have sugar as the first ingredient... or artificial colors added... yes, they may be pricier than the crap on the grocery store shelves, but you are paying for a quality product.....come on, in my grocery store, a jar of preserves that come the closest to these are $5-6 for 12 oz... if you are lucky!!! So treat yourself and enjoy the good stuff!!

paulmd wrote:These look great. In for one!

Woot, please bring back the Maison de Monaco preserves too. Those were delicious!

I just finished mine off and bought some local stuff to replace them. I don't think I can go back (to the local stuff).

So, I was curious, and while at the local market, today, first there to buy some cabbage for Saturday's corned beef and cabbage (8 lbs for a dollar!), I decided to pick up some walnut preserves. I saw 3 different brands from Armenia (Tamara (the one I bought, $3.49 for 14.1 ounce), Ararat and Noyan brands) and none of them had any preservatives or pectin. I also bought some Mulberry preserves, since I love mulberries, but have never had the preserves. The only ingredients are mulberries and sugar, so, pretty natural. I just now tried the Walnut and it's delicious. I can see how there may be some differences in the Walnut ones, because mine had "spices" listed on the label and I can tell you that the one I bought has what tastes like pumpkin pie spice, which is like a little clove, some cinnammon & some nutmeg. Different brands might use different spices, or perhaps the same, but in different rations, which could account for possible variations in the product, but I won't know, until I try some of the other brands. Not sure if these are the same or not, but they're certainly delicious. I'm now curious to try the $2.49 one from that other local market, just to see if there's a difference. The most expensive ones I saw today were $3.99 for a 15oz jar. For many wooters, this may be the only chance they'll see something like this, but in my area, this is what you see everywhere. I'd guess that more than 100 markets in my city have this stuff.

DaZoneRanger wrote:So, I was curious, and while at the local market, today, first there to buy some cabbage for Saturday's corned beef and cabbage (8 lbs for a dollar!), I decided to pick up some walnut preserves. I saw 3 different brands from Armenia (Tamara (the one I bought, $3.49 for 14.1 ounce), Ararat and Noyan brands) and none of them had any preservatives or pectin. I also bought some Mulberry preserves, since I love mulberries, but have never had the preserves. The only ingredients are mulberries and sugar, so, pretty natural. I just now tried the Walnut and it's delicious. I'm can see how there may be some differences in the Walnut ones, because mine had "spices" listed on the label and I can tell you that the one I bought has what tastes like pumpkin pie spice, which is like a little clove, some cinnammon & some nutmeg. Not sure if these are the same or not, but they're certainly delicious. I'm not curious to try the $2.49 one from that other local market, just to see if there's a difference. The most expensive ones I saw today were $3.99 for a 15oz jar. For many wooters, this may be the only chance they'll see something like this, but in my area, this is what you see everywhere. I'd guess that more than 100 markets in my city have this stuff.

You are lucky to have markets like that.... where I live, I would have to travel about an hour to get to a market that might have something like that.... so for me... ordering is the way to go!!

I love serving Bellinis:
Here is a recipe wiht our Apricot Preserve :
1)In a mixing glass add 1 table spoon Apricot preserve.
2)Add a 1/2 ounce cointrau and stir well.
30poor inot a champagne flute and top off with yuor favorite champagne (spearkling wine)
Cheers!

Sylvia

sylviatirakian wrote:I love serving Bellinis:
Here is a recipe wiht our Apricot Preserve :
1)In a mixing glass add 1 table spoon Apricot preserve.
2)Add a 1/2 ounce cointrau and stir well.
30poor inot a champagne flute and top off with yuor favorite champagne (spearkling wine)
Cheers!

Sylvia

sorry for the spelling, I was writing so fast

sylviatirakian wrote:Good morning,

Enjoyed reading yur comments. Our fresh walnut indeed stir a great discussions. I am the maker of Harvest Song Preserves.

i am very happy to meet you and i would love to answer questions.

Are you seeing anyone?

ohh that sounds YUMMY!! will definitely have to try when my order arrives!!

CAisBurning wrote:Are you seeing anyone?

Hah!

mommadeb1 wrote:home made pop tarts? please share recipe!!

yes please!

inkycatz wrote:Hah!

Hey, I'm just refreshed to see an attractive, successful Armenian woman who is not a Kardashian.

Thanks Sylvia for you comments. Always great when the owner/manufacturer stops by to explain their products. You talked me into it.

As a data point, a woman who sells similarly high quality (and exceptionally delicious) preserves at our local farmers' market sells them for $11-12 per jar, and they are smaller. Likewise, you can easily spend $10-12 per jar for good quality preserves and jams at a gourmet food shop. While it is true that some companies mark up their products just for putting them in fancy jars with pretty labels, in most cases, if you pay discount prices you will find that (a) the fruit is lower quality, (b) the preserves are filled with too much sugar, high fructose corn syrup, juice firmed up with pectin, etc., and/or (c) the people who grew the fruit were not well compensated or were otherwise taken advantage of. To me, next up behind the fact that these sound delicious is that Sylvia works in partnership with the growers in Armenia. The value: priceless. Thank you for sharing these, Sylvia -- I make my own jams and have more than I can use but I cannot resist!

We had these at a store I used to work at
I never saw one get sold, and I arranged the shelf they were on at least once a week so I would know

eijisama wrote:Never heard of anyone making homemade pop tarts. How do you do it?

Homemade Pop Tarts, and a little history lesson too, on
Alton Brown's Good Eats

bnbsouthworth wrote:Homemade Pop Tarts, and a little history lesson too, on
Alton Brown's Good Eats

I was about to post the same link. These really are good. Very good. (As in we no longer buy Pop Tarts at all.)

I am only interested in the walnut preserve. And not because I like walnuts, but because it just sounds so interesting.

CAisBurning wrote:Hey, I'm just refreshed to see an attractive, successful Armenian woman who is not a Kardashian.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I've been so hoping for a month now for the Maison de Monaco Preserves to come back. I'll take todays woot as a sign they are gone forever.

I'd try one but I spent the last of my cash on prescriptions today, so I'll have to wait till this comes around again.

jschacht wrote:As a data point, a woman who sells similarly high quality (and exceptionally delicious) preserves at our local farmers' market sells them for $11-12 per jar, and they are smaller. Likewise, you can easily spend $10-12 per jar for good quality preserves and jams at a gourmet food shop. While it is true that some companies mark up their products just for putting them in fancy jars with pretty labels, in most cases, if you pay discount prices you will find that (a) the fruit is lower quality, (b) the preserves are filled with too much sugar, high fructose corn syrup, juice firmed up with pectin, etc., and/or (c) the people who grew the fruit were not well compensated or were otherwise taken advantage of. To me, next up behind the fact that these sound delicious is that Sylvia works in partnership with the growers in Armenia. The value: priceless. Thank you for sharing these, Sylvia -- I make my own jams and have more than I can use but I cannot resist!

Thank you so much for your kind words. Would love to know what fruits you use.

Sorry for the delay. I haven't tried Brown's recipe, but the ones I keep bookmarked are the King Arthur version and the Smitten Kitten variation.