Mary D. Covington is the founder of Mary D Jellies and Preserves LLC. Read on to learn more about how she got started.
What is the name of your company?
Mary D Jellies and Preserves LLC. I do business as Miss Mary.
Why make jelly and preserves?
While growing up in Indianapolis, I delighted in watching my mother make homemade jellies and jams. When I was old enough to assist her, I gladly did so. She shared her gift for making these tasty treats with me. As an adult, I am continuing her jelly and jam-making process, but I now add my own twist to her basic recipes.
What is the difference between jelly and preserves?
There are four basic ingredients in making jellies and jams: fruit, sugar, pectin and acid. A jelly is made with the juice of the fruit, while a jam is made with the fruit itself. Jams are also referred to as preserves.
What makes your product special?
Our products are special because they include wine-infused jellies and jams. Also, the Miss Mary Collection of jellies are in jars engraved by the artist Adu Jahmal.
How long have you been making your products?
I have been making jellies and jams to sell for over 14 years. I have been specializing in wine-infused jellies and jams for at least three years.
What is your favorite way to eat your product?
I really do not have a favorite way to eat my product. It really depends on my eating mood. If I want breakfast food, I enjoy the Spicy Dolce on my open-face omelet. If I am in the mood for lunch or dinner food, I enjoy eating fish glazed with either the Blush Chardonnay or Spicy Dolce.
Which is your top-selling product?
Initially, the Cuvée Nectar and Spicy Dolce were the top sellers. However, since introducing the two jams infused with wine, they have both become top sellers. Our seasonal product, Peach Cobbler in a Jar, is also popular and sells out very quickly.
Where do you make it?
A commercial kitchen in Indianapolis.
How can people purchase your product?
We do not have a storefront, so people can either purchase our product during our road shows, which include farmer’s markets and specialty events, or they can purchase them by contacting us through Facebook or Instagram. People can follow us on Facebook (@mary.d.jellies.and.preserves) and Instagram (@maryd_preserves) to find out where we are headed next.
What other projects are you working on?
Getting our products into specialty shops and adding other preserved items to the product line.
