Genuine Jersey
Look for the Mark before you buy
Jersey is famous worldwide for its own breed of cow, superior quality milk and the prized Jersey Royal, but the Island can also be proud of an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce and a variety of skilled craftsmen and artists who create a range of excellent products.
If you want to enjoy the best of what Jersey has to offer during your stay, or take home a truly local memento of your visit, then look for the Genuine Jersey Mark – the guarantee of local provenance.
Products and produce carrying the distinctive Mark have been reared, grown and caught in Jersey or created by accredited Islanders and local businesses who qualify to be members of the Genuine Jersey Association.
Products carrying the distinctive Genuine Jersey Mark include dairy goods, fruit and vegetables, herbs and salads, meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, pottery, wines, ciders, spirits and beers, jewellery, needlework, decorative stonework, wooden artifacts, glassware, artwork and even surf wax. Genuine Jersey produce and products can be bought in the main shopping centre in St Helier and outlets Islandwide – including, galleries, studios, tourist attractions and heritage sites, farm shops and markets and sampled in restaurants, pubs, cafés and from ice cream stalls.
Genuine Jersey was launched in 2001 to promote the diversity and quality of local produce and products. Since the Association started it has attracted a loyal and enthusiastic membership. While some members ensure the survival of Jersey’s heritage and traditions others are at the forefront of introducing pioneering farming methods, new crops or exploring previously untapped international markets.
Today the Genuine Jersey Mark is seen as a byword for the best the Island has to offer. Look for it before you buy.
For further details of all Genuine Jersey members, their produce and products go to www.genuinejersey.com
Seasonal Produce on your plate
Jersey Royals
Jersey Royal potatoes are synonymous with the Island of Jersey and as famous as the Jersey Cow.
Jersey Royals really do taste different from other early varieties and their amazing flavour is due to being nurtured by the Island’s record-breaking sunshine, sea breezes and seaweed fertilizer. The outdoor new potato crop is traditionally harvested in March and lasts until July, but is at its very best from April to June.
The unique and traditional method of production has been acknowledged by the European Union. Jersey Royals have been granted Protected Designation of Origin – the same as Melton Mowbray pork pies and Champagne. This means that only Jersey Royals grown in the Island can carry the Jersey Royal brand.
Fruit and Vegetables
More than 100 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown in Jersey. There is asparagus and aubergines, strawberries and sage, not to mention a wealth of organic crops.
Seafood
Fishing is popular around the Island's shores. Depending on the season, there are superb quality shellfish, hand dived scallops, lobsters, chancre crabs and spider crabs. Oysters and mussels are also farmed in local waters, as are turbot. Sea bass, bream, brill, conger, grey mullet, mackerel, sole and rock salmon are also available.
Locally reared meat
Guinea fowl, chicken and duck are all reared in the Island and a number of farmers produce veal, tender Jersey beef and lamb. Pork is also popular and sausages, bacon and gammon can be bought in many farm shops.
A full list of seasonal produce is available from www.genuinejersey.com/seasonal
Why Buy Local?
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Eat Seasonally |
Nothing tastes better than the first Jersey Royals or strawberries of the season. Fresh seasonal local food is likely to be fresher and more flavoursome than food shipped long distances from other countries.
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Support local agriculture |
Supporting the local farming industry ensures that the Island’s characteristic landscape continues to be preserved and that the industry remains sustainable.
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Reduce food miles |
‘Food miles’ are the distance food travels from where it was grown or raised, through the distribution process before finally ending up in your shopping trolley. Buying local seasonal produce reduces carbon dioxide emissions, packaging materials and waste.
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Preserve the environment |
Buying local and fresh produce means we can reduce excessive and expensive packaging - all you need is a shopping bag or basket! Good farming methods also help preserve the natural environment.
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Support the local economy |
What better way to support the local economy than to buy from local shops? We have some fantastic farm shops, small stores and supermarkets which stock locally grown items. Make sure your money goes back into supporting our farmers and growers.
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Provenance - traceability |
Wouldn’t you like to know that the hen which laid your eggs led a happy life or that your pig was well fed? Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to make informed choices about the origins of your food. |
