The Cath Meter

The Cath Meter is how we rate the heat in our Jams. Cath has that palate that is most common in the US population.
For Cath, it is about the flavor first and then a nice zip that warms the heart as much as the taste buds.

The Meter:

The Cath Meter needle registers from mild to very hot. We want to explain this so that when you see the “Cath Meter” on the store page for each jam you know what it is like according to Cath’s palate.

Mild

Mild is that palate appeal where the fruit is predominant and the heat from the Lemon Yellow Pepper gives a hint of heat that warms the palate. Some of our Jam enthusiasts rate the Peach Riesling Jams in this category.

Mild-Medium

Mild-Medium has that wonderful deep fruit flavor predominance. Cath considers this a nudge above Mild in that the Lemon Yellow Pepper accentuates the fruit with its citrus accenting as well as filling ones mouth with the warmth of the peppers heat. This warmth lingers in a way that you are enticed to take another bite. Cath considers the Peach Riesling Jams to be in this category.

Medium

Medium is a delight to the palate. We have taken great care in developing our recipes for this category. Cath considers this a best of all when Flavor and Heat Meet. A number of our Jams that are made with the Lemon Yellow Pepper fit into this category. The wine infused jams are smooth, full of fruit flavor and remarkable lingering warmth in your mouth. Most folks tasting these jams say, “Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.”

Medium-Hot

Medium-Hot according to Cath is the heat of the Lemon Yellow Pepper coming on right after the fruit. The intensity is building but not overwhelming. Our Peach Mango Pepper Jam is the best example of this category. This is a rating for those who really enjoy the culinary burn of the pepper while enjoying the robust flavors of the fruits. It isn’t overpowering yet the heat is very noticeable.

Hot

Hot is where we transition from the Lemon Yellow Pepper to using the Chocolate Habanero. To meet the category of Hot according to Cath, we blend a minimal amount of the powder from this pepper into the jams. The intent is to have this pepper deliver its characteristics into the jams and not set your mouth on fire. Cath finds this heat to be her highest level of intensity while still enjoying a gratifying culinary experience.

Very HOT

Very HOT is what many of you have asked for. This is “off” the Cath Meter. In fact, our Very HOT Cherry, Red Wine, Chocolate Habanero is considered by Cath a ‘mistake’ in our process. Well, this works fine for all of us that want the great flavor of the Cherry and the heat of that Chocolate Habanero.  Most certainly not for everyone.