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
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.
Our Top Picks:
Stainless Steel Preserving Pots
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. Perfect for feijoa jam or tomato chutney.
Non-Stick Saucepans
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. Ideal for smaller batches or delicate fruits.
Mason Jars & Airtight Storage
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.
Our Top Picks:
Glass Preserving Jars with Lids
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. Durable and leak-proof.
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
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.
Our Top Picks:
Stainless Steel Food Mills
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. Ideal for feijoa or berry purées.
Manual Fruit Presses
Excellent for feijoa or apple juice to turn into wine or cider.
Pickling & Fermenting Tools
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.
Our Top Picks:
Fermentation Crocks & Jars
The Symbiota Fermentation Crocks (available in 2L or 4.5L) are designed for safe and efficient fermentation, proudly handmade right here in New Zealand. Perfect for pickles, sauerkraut, or kimchi.
Pickle Presses
Keep veggies submerged and fermentation consistent.
Funnels & Labeling Tools
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.
Our Top Picks:
Funnel Sets
The Westmark Preserving Funnel Set includes two funnels with three functional configurations. Use the small or the large filling funnel separately, or insert one into the other for an extra-large funnel. Ideal for clean transfers.
Chalkboard & Sticker Labels
The Appetito Kitchen Blank Labels are made from self-adhesive, washable white vinyl. With 45 in each pack, there’s plenty to go around. Easy to write, peel, and reuse.
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, these tools help you turn Kiwi-grown seasonal produce into delicious creations you’ll enjoy all year long.
Ready to preserve like a pro? Chef’s Complements has everything you need to make the process simple, safe, and delicious.
