From Garden to Jar: Making the Most of this Year's Harvest
New Zealand’s gardens, orchards, and farmers’ markets are bursting with seasonal goodness – feijoas, berries, tomatoes, kūmara, apples, and more. Turning this fresh bounty into jams, chutneys, pickles, ferments, or even homemade feijoa wine is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to enjoy local flavours year-round.
With the right tools, preserving becomes simpler, safer, and genuinely fun. Here are five essential gadgets from Chef’s Complements every Kiwi food enthusiast should have in their kitchen.
Jam & Chutney Pots
Why You Need Them:
A quality preserving pot makes a world of difference. Heavy bases distribute heat evenly so your jam won’t scorch, while generous capacities make batch cooking a breeze – perfect for stocking the pantry or gifting.
How They Help:
- Even heat = fewer burnt bottoms
- Bigger pots = smoother stirring and safer boiling
- Perfect for high-sugar or long-simmering preserves
💡 Pro Tip: Stir often with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and keep flavours clean.
Chef’s Complements Picks:
- Stainless Steel Preserving Pots – perfect for feijoa jam or tomato chutney.
The Agee Stainless Steel Preserving Pan, available in 6L or 9L, is designed with a wide base and tall sides, internal measurements, and a handy spout for easy pouring.
- Non-Stick Saucepans – ideal for smaller batches or delicate fruits.
The new Netherton Foundry Saucepan with Lid & Oak Handle (15cm, 18cm, and 20cm) is crafted from 99.1% pure iron, pre-seasoned with natural flax oil, and finished with beautiful hand-turned oak. This pan delivers high performance, with no synthetic coatings and no fuss. It’s the kind of piece that improves with time and becomes a trusted kitchen companion.
Mason Jars & Airtight Storage
Why You Need Them:
Quality jars are essential for safe, long-lasting preserving. Airtight lids keep your creations fresh for months, while clear glass lets you organise and show off your delicious work.
How They Help:
- Airtight sealing keeps food fresh longer
- Perfect for gifting and pantry organisation
- Easy to sterilise and reuse
💡 Chef’s Tip: Always sterilise jars and lids in boiling water before filling to prevent spoilage.
Chef’s Complements Picks:
- Glass Preserving Jars with Lids – durable and leak-proof.
Kilner Set of 6 Preserving Jars (250ml and 500ml) feature a reliable 2-piece lid system, consisting of a tin disc and screw band, which creates a secure vacuum seal to keep contents fresh for longer.
If you need something bigger, try the Bormioli Rocco Fido Cliptop Glass Jars, a true kitchen classic since 1968, available from 500ml all the way up to 4L. These multi-purpose jars are fashioned with airtight and leak-proof closures to hermetically seal out air and moisture, and they feature a wide opening lid and replaceable rubber seals. From the freezer to the countertop, they’re perfect for everything from pantry staples to pickling, preserving, and gifting.
- Reusable Storage Jars – great for herbs, spices, and small-batch preserves.
Explore our full range of Herb & Spice Storage and Glass Jars to find your perfect fit.
Food Mill or Fruit Press
Why You Need It:
If you love ultra-smooth jams, purées, or sauces, a food mill or fruit press is a game-changer. These tools separate skins and seeds effortlessly, especially with fruits like feijoas, berries, or apples.
How They Help:
- Creates smooth, seed-free purées
- Saves time on peeling and straining
- Ideal for juice, wine, or cider making
💡 Chef’s Tip: Lightly crush the fruit before milling – it speeds up the process and improves consistency.
Chef’s Complements Picks:
- Stainless Steel Food Mills – ideal for feijoa or berry purées.
The OXO Good Grips Food Mill features three interchangeable grinding discs for fine, medium, and coarse textures, a smart release button that facilitates easy disc changes, plus foldable legs for compact storage.
- Manual Fruit Presses – excellent for feijoa or apple juice to turn into wine or cider.
Pickling & Fermenting Tools
Why You Need Them:
Pickling and fermenting rely on the right environment – and the proper tools help maintain crispness, acidity, and safety. Whether you’re making sauerkraut, kimchi, dill pickles, or pickled kūmara, dedicated equipment ensures reliable results.
How They Help:
- Keep vegetables submerged for safe fermentation
- Provide stable temperatures and airflow
- Enhance flavour, crunch, and fermentation control
💡 Chef’s Tip: Try using NZ-grown cucumbers, cabbage, or kūmara for a uniquely local twist on traditional recipes.
Chef’s Complements Picks:
- Fermentation Crocks & Jars – for pickles, sauerkraut, or kimchi.
The Symbiota Fermentation Crocks (available in 2L or 4.5L) are designed for safe and efficient fermentation, proudly handmade right here in New Zealand.
- Pickle Presses – keep veggies submerged and fermentation consistent.
Funnels & Labeling Tools
Why You Need Them
When you’re handling hot chutney, sticky jam, or homemade wine, neatness counts. Funnels make jar-filling safer and cleaner, while labels keep your pantry tidy and your preserves easy to track.
How They Help:
- Reduces spills when transferring hot mixtures
- Keeps storage tidy and easy to navigate
- Ideal for gifting and batch tracking
💡 Chef’s Tip: For homemade feijoa wine, label bottles with the date and sugar content for easier ageing and flavour comparison.
Chef’s Complements Picks:
- Funnel Sets – stainless steel or silicone funnels for clean transfers.
The Westmark Preserving Funnel Set includes two funnels with three functional configurations. Use the small or the large filling funnel separately, or insert both elements into one another for one extra-large funnel.
- Chalkboard & Sticker Labels – easy to write, peel, and reuse.
The Appetito Kitchen Blank Labels are made from self-adhesive, washable white vinyl. With 45 in each pack, there’s plenty to go around.
Your Preserving Journey Starts Here
Preserving New Zealand’s iconic flavours is rewarding, cost-effective, and surprisingly easy with the right gear. From jam pots to fermentation crocks and smart storage solutions, Chef’s Complements has everything you need to make the process simple, safe, and delicious.
Ready to preserve like a pro? These tools help you turn Kiwi-grown seasonal produce into delicious creations you’ll enjoy all year long.
