Mrs. Ruth’s is Our Jam!

A tradition steeped in etiquette and the essence of Southern hospitality, one often addresses those they respect with Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and, to avoid sounding excessively formal, a first name. Mrs. Ruth is Ruth Taylor, the beloved business owner and jam maker behind North Carolina-made and Good Food Award-winning Mrs. Ruth’s Jams. Here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this local treasure and the passion that goes into each jar of jam.

Homemade, with Love

Much of Chatham County is home to independently owned visitor businesses, each offering a touch of Southern hospitality to their locally made products. These small businesses, many owned and operated by one or two people (hence the oft-used term “mom and pop”), work tirelessly to manage everything —from production to sales. Love for their home state, sharing their products, and meeting their customers are all part of the work.

Mrs. Ruth’s Jams began as a labor of love: to make jams for her husband infused with a nostalgic touch of his home. Like the owners behind another acclaimed Chatham County business (Southern Supreme), Mrs. Ruth shared her jams with family and friends, receiving rave reviews for her sensational preserves. Soon thereafter, she officially launched her business.

Mrs. Ruth is involved in all aspects of her jam production. Like most of us, she is a foodie with a discerning taste for the best flavors and produce. She has the approach of an artisan and prides herself on quality, using the freshest ingredients curated from local and area farmers and partners. Mrs. Ruth also makes it a priority (even with increased production and a busier schedule) to continue to serve as the face of her brand genuinely and hasn’t handed off duties or appearances.

Mrs. Ruth’s Jams are available throughout North Carolina and have steadily made their way into gift baskets nationwide and internationally. She offers many product lines: some seasonal and some limited edition, but all offer a flavor for every taste. Afternoon tea lovers, breakfast and brunch groups, and picnic guests delight in the variety of products, perfect as a sweet or savory spread. Find Mrs. Ruth’s Jams at several shops and pop-up events in our area.

Indulge in Award-Winning Jams

Whether hosting a fancy soirée or a laid-back night watching your favorite football team, Mrs. Ruth’s Jams are the perfect accompaniment. Their versatility has seen them grace the tables of elegant tea parties, the patios of summer cookouts, and the coffee tables of game-day gatherings. Custom labels are an option, perfect for realtors, fundraisers, bridal gifts, and more. Share the local love with ingredients that include local berries and produce from statewide farms.

The jars of joy, as dubbed by many both in- and out-of-state, including an Our State Magazine feature, are also a favorite statewide. Mrs. Ruth’s Jams, for a floral flair, has previously been featured in the gift shop for Art in Bloom (North Carolina Museum of Art) and as a finalist in the Made in N.C. competition. This year, Mrs. Ruth’s Jams is an exclusive vendor at the 2024 Triangle Farm to Fork Picnic and her jams were a featured accoutrement for afternoon tea during Art in Bloom. Mrs. Ruth’s Jams have not only been showered with praise by customers but also by Good Food Awards for five consecutive years: Mrs. Ruth’s Belgian Chocolate Strawberry Jam (2020), Savory Apple (2021), Strawberry Lemonade (2022), and Blueberry Lemon Basil (2023). Olivia’s Caramel Apple is a 2024 Good Food Awards winner. Mrs. Ruth’s stepdaughter suggested caramel apple as a flavor, and Chief Jammer Ruth Taylor took the idea and made the creation a winner.

Give the gift of jam, whether opting for custom labels for special occasions (gift baskets or bridal party presents), realtor gifts to new homeowners, corporate clients, part of the breakfast offerings in the pantry of Airbnb homes, alongside charcuterie board items, or simply for indulgence on toast or scones at afternoon tea.

Perfect Pairings & Recipes

Try it all, whether you’re an easygoing entertainer or acclaimed chef. Host or attend a party and bring fudge, fruit pie pinwheels, or tarts, each with Mrs. Ruth’s Jams as a featured ingredient. Make your charcuterie board local with Mrs. Ruth’s Jams and other N.C.-made items. Or pack a bit of nostalgia as you reminisce about a past trip with a jar that doubles as a souvenir for foodies (it just might inspire you to plan another road trip)! Some other recommendations include:

Heightening the flavor of summertime or any season salads with balsamic vinaigrette and two tablespoons of any flavor of Mrs. Ruth’s Jams.
Crafting comfort food recipes, including Zippy Meatballs with Mrs. Ruth’s Hot Momma Marmalade and bacon appetizers with a zing from Mrs. Ruth’s jalapeño products.
Pairing sweet tea with biscuits and top with your favorite Mrs. Ruth’s Jams flavor.

Key Takeaways

Find Mrs. Ruth’s Jams at several shops and pop-up events in our area.
Made in N.C., Mrs. Ruth has a hand in all aspects of her jam products and prides herself on quality, winning multiple Good Food Awards throughout the years.
Mrs. Ruth’s Jams finds a balance between serving the customer and giving back. Learn more about how they help with hunger by spreading joy (and jam).
Give the gift of jam, whether opting for custom labels for special occasions (gift baskets or bridal party presents), realtor gifts to new homeowners, corporate clients, part of the breakfast offerings in the pantry of Airbnb homes, alongside charcuterie board items, or simply for indulgence on toast or scones at afternoon tea.
Mrs. Ruth’s Jams offers a line of products, some seasonal, some limited edition, and a flavor for every season.