Jam, Mara des Bois Strawberry – Les Petits Fruits

Les Petits Fruits, based in the lush Campan valley of the French Pyrenees, has been crafting artisanal jams since 1982. The region’s cool climate and rich soil are ideal for growing berries, and the producer is known for using traditional techniques that preserve the full taste of the fruit. Their jams are slowly cooked in open copper cauldrons, a method that helps keep the fruit’s natural structure and taste. The Mara des Bois strawberry, used in this jam, is a delicate variety created in the 1990s in France and prized for its intense wild aroma—some even say it smells like strawberries warmed by the sun.

This jam is smooth and rich, with small pieces of fruit suspended in a soft, glossy base. Its deep red colour hints at its full, ripe taste. The smell is floral and sweet, with a gentle freshness that rises immediately from the jar. On the tongue, it’s rounded and juicy with a pleasant, lingering sweetness, not too sugary, just enough to carry the natural fruitiness. It spreads easily and melts into toast or soft pastries without overpowering.

Serve it alongside a creamy slice of Brie de Meaux. The softness of the cheese pairs beautifully with the bright, fragrant strawberry notes, and the contrast between the two textures—velvety and slightly runny cheese against the smooth, fruity jam—makes for a balanced and comforting bite.