Meet Your Farmer: Girl Meets Dirt

Girl Meets Dirt fruit preserves encompass all that’s good in the food world. In addition to being an artisan product, made on a fairytale-like island, from ripe, seasonal fruit that is often picked from century-old orchards, these preserves have unique and unexpected flavors that set them apart from anything else we’ve tried – and we keep going back for more.

These old-fashioned preserves are a kind of love letter to Orcas Island’s heirloom orchard history. Founder Audra Lawlor moved to the island back in 2011 after leaving a Wall Street job and the conveniences of city life. She, her husband and two dogs left the big city to farm five acres of land on this small island off the coast of Washington. They grow fruit and herbs that they preserve by hand using traditional French methods, that help to capture the abundant tastes of summer.

Although life on their “farmette” isn’t always easy, they’ve loved starting a business that makes delicious preserves in copper pots, with care and old-school techniques.

Girl Meets Dirt is inspired by high quality, locally sourced and carefully crafted fruit preserves. These traditional jams emphasize structure and pure, ripe naturally grown fruit. Their ingredient lists are short and sweet and they don’t use commercial pectin, but instead, rely on time and concentration for structure.

One flavor in particular (Shiro Plum with Mint) is a preserve Audra made during her first summer on the farm. The Shiro plums pair perfectly with the wild spearmint that Audra found growing nearby. The only addition is organic cane sugar and organic lemon juice, which makes for a vibrant jam, chunky with pieces of ripe fruit incorporated. This preserve works well with both the sweet and the savory. Audra recommends serving this flavor with goat cheese, fresh Ricotta or blues of all varieties.

We are excited to be carrying several of the Girl Meets Dirt flavors in your online farm stand including Pink Bartlett, Rhubarb Lavender, Pear Balsamic, Shiro Plum with Mint and more.

Not part of our farm family? See if we deliver to your neighborhood.