Watch the "Crafty Ladies" of Boonah make a range of old-style preserves, including rosella jam and yes... choko relish!

They call themselves ‘the Crafty Ladies’. But they could be called the ‘Queensland jam and pickle ladies’ as they specialise in old-style relishes and preserves. Of their range of 45 different bottled delights, their rosella jam is a big favourite. And no, it’s not a bird. Rosellas are a native hibiscus that’s commonly found in the warmer parts of the country.

Sherrin Buttsworth and Merle Harris began making jams and pickles together along with a group of other local women about ten years ago. The project took off and the pair have continued their business, mainly supplying local outlets and markets. They do a range of homestyle products – jams, pickles, chutneys and relishes, to authentic original recipes.

Among their products is rosella jam, made with a native or wild hibiscus that is high in pectin and vitamin C. Pectin is the natural setting agent for jellies and jams and an essential part of jam making, as is sugar, a natural preservative.

The pair support local growers by buying in produce as it becomes available. Rosellas are a warm climate plant and are grown on a nearby farm. In season, Sherrin and Merle get in chokoes, once a big country favourite and a staple in the Depression years when they were used as fillers and as “mock pears” in desserts and jams.

They supply several shops in the area and as far as Toowoomba and Stanthorpe.