Preserve what’s in season now — citrus, apples, beets and more — with recipes and artisan jars from our grocer shelves.
As Melbourne settles into the chill of winter, we turn to the rich, earthy, and bright produce of the season — not just for meals, but for preserving. At Gertrude Grocer, we believe the best way to enjoy the sunshine of past seasons is by bottling it — and winter brings its own share of delicious preserving opportunities.
Whether you're pickling homegrown beetroot or stirring citrus into marmalade, our gourmet grocer shelves are stocked with local artisan preserves and all the ingredients you need to make your own. It's time to warm your kitchen, fill your jars, and stock your pantry with goodness.
What’s in Season (and Perfect for Preserving) Right Now?
In Victoria’s winter, you’ll find an abundance of:
-
Citrus: Mandarins, lemons, oranges, blood oranges, limes
-
Apples and pears
-
Beetroot, carrots, radishes, cauliflower, onions, turnips
-
Rhubarb
-
Cabbage (for sauerkraut!)
All of these are ideal for preserving — either sweet, sour or spiced.
Winter Preserving Recipes to Try at Home
Citrus Marmalade (Mandarin, Lemon or Blood Orange)
Bright, bitter-sweet and utterly perfect on toast.
Ingredients: Citrus, sugar, lemon juice, water
Method:
-
Slice citrus thinly, remove seeds
-
Simmer fruit and water until soft
-
Add sugar and cook until set (jam stage)
-
Jar while hot into sterilised jars
📝 Tip: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
Spiced Apple & Pear Chutney
Great with aged cheddar, roasts, or grain bowls.
Ingredients: Apples, pears, onion, vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, mustard seeds
Method:
-
Dice fruit and simmer with all ingredients
-
Cook until thick and spoonable
-
Seal in hot sterilised jars
📝 Pairs beautifully with cold cuts or stirred into lentil stews.
Pickled Baby Beets
An earthy, tangy pantry staple.
Ingredients: Baby beets, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cloves, bay leaves
Method:
-
Roast or boil beets until tender
-
Peel and slice
-
Simmer vinegar, sugar & spices
-
Pour over beets in sterilised jars
📝 Ready to eat in 3 days. Keeps for weeks in the fridge.
Quick Pickled Red Onion or Radish
Perfect for tacos, toasties, salads or grazing boards.
Ingredients: Red onion or radish, white vinegar, sugar, salt
Method:
-
Thinly slice vegetables
-
Heat vinegar, sugar and salt until dissolved
-
Pour over veggies in jars and refrigerate
📝 No canning needed — lasts 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
What You’ll Find at Gertrude Grocer
We stock everything you need to preserve with confidence:
-
Citrus, apples, root veg and rhubarb
-
White and apple cider vinegars
-
Jam sugar and preserving salts
-
Whole spices: cloves, mustard seed, bay, cinnamon, star anise
-
Artisan jams & pickles from local makers
Why Preserving Feels So Good
Preserving is more than just a kitchen task — it’s a slow ritual, a way to connect with the seasons, and an opportunity to reduce waste and stock your pantry with something made with care. Whether it’s homemade or artisan-crafted, a good jar of jam or pickles brings a touch of summer to any winter day.
📍 Stop by Gertrude Grocer for everything you need — or Click & Collect.