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Letter to the editor

Preserves that persevere win the day

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published May 11, 2005

Strawberry preserves needed to have solid texture, flavor and color to please the taste buds of our panelists. But they also had to stay where they were spread. Some preserves are more runny than sticky, more jelly than jam.

Taster's Choice sampled 13 strawberry preserves from grocery shelves. The favorites were rich, ruby red and thick, with a bit of real fruit. And they had staying power. We put the preserves to the test on thin water crackers.

Panelists picked Albertsons' preserves ($2.42) as the best, giving the brand 61 of 80 possible points. Three of four judges said they would buy the store brand.

Albertsons' preserves were smooth, "very sweet," dark red and chunky, our judges said. The only displeased panelist thought this brand was too "bloblike."

In second was Bonne Maman ($3.29). Panelists gave this French product, purchased at Publix, 55 points and praised the preserves for having a homemade look, thick texture and "beautiful" appearance. Again, three of the four said they would buy it.

Just behind Bonne Maman was Welch's ($2.79), with 54 points. Welch's got high marks for its squeeze bottle and for leaving no sticky knife behind. Two panelists said they would buy Welch's, primarily for the packaging. The other two described this brand as runny, with minimal flavor. One said Welch's was "too flimsy" to put on a cracker or toast.

A couple of judges raved about Deep South ($1.99) and Polaner ($1.69), describing the flavors as robust and fresh.

"These are ready for their closeup," said one panelist.

Another, more expensive brand, Chambord ($3.59), tasted more like gummy bears.

Also tasted were strawberry preserves from Smucker's ($1.99); Good Day ($2.29); Publix ($1.49); Kash n' Karry ($1.79); Palmalito ($1.89); Danish Garden ($1.49); and Hero ($3.29).

Panelists were: Jim Yockey, aesthetician, Tierra Verde Salon and Day Spa; personal chef Julie Overton; Bob Devin Jones, artistic director of Studio@620 and Nan Jensen, registered and licensed dietitian with Pinellas County Extension. All products were tasted blind.

Send comments or suggestions for product testing to Taste section, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail them to krieta@sptimes.com Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line.

No. 1: Albertsons.

No. 2: Bonne Maman.

No. 3: Welch's.

[Last modified May 10, 2005, 14:12:45]