How to Choose the Perfect Preserve for Toast, Croissants & Crumpets?
Every week at our Borough Market stall, one question comes up time and time again:
"Which preserve goes best with sourdough?"
Whether customers are picking up warm croissants for the weekend or a loaf of fresh sourdough, we love helping people discover their perfect breakfast pairing.
Here's our guide to choosing the right preserve for every breakfast favourite.
Which Preserve Goes Best?
| Breakfast Favourite | Our Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Tangerine Marmalade | Bright citrus balances the tangy flavour of sourdough. |
| Croissants | Strawberry Preserve | Sweet strawberries pair perfectly with buttery pastry. |
| Toast | Blueberry Preserve | Rich, fruity flavour makes everyday toast feel extra special. |
| Brioche | Strawberry Preserve | Soft, rich bread deserves a luxurious preserve. |
Best for Sourdough: Tangerine Marmalade
If we had to recommend just one preserve for sourdough, it would be our Tangerine Marmalade.
The slightly tangy flavour of sourdough works beautifully with the bright citrus notes of tangerine, creating a balance that's fresh rather than overly sweet.
Pimento Hill tip: Spread onto warm, buttered sourdough while it's still hot to allow the marmalade to soften into every slice.
Fresh croissants deserve something equally special.
Our Strawberry Preserve with Champagne combines ripe strawberries with a splash of champagne for a preserve that's fruity, elegant and perfect for leisurely breakfasts.
It's equally delicious on brioche, Danish pastries or folded into Greek yoghurt.
Best for Toast
Sometimes the simplest breakfasts are the most satisfying.
Our Blueberry Preserve is packed with rich berry flavour, making it the perfect partner for hot buttered toast. The sweetness of the blueberries complements everything from classic white bread to seeded wholemeal, creating a breakfast that's comforting and full of flavour.
It's also delicious spooned over pancakes, swirled through porridge or served with thick Greek yoghurt.
Pimento Hill tip: Spread generously over warm toast with salted butter for a simple breakfast that never disappoints.
Best for Croissants
Fresh croissants deserve something equally special.
Our Strawberry Preserve with Champagne combines ripe strawberries with a splash of champagne for a preserve that's fruity, elegant and perfect for leisurely breakfasts.
It's equally delicious on brioche, Danish pastries or folded into Greek yoghurt.
From Our Borough Market Stall
One of the things we love most about trading at Borough Market is chatting with customers about how they use our products at home.
From weekend brunches to everyday breakfasts, these are the pairings we recommend most often—and the ones customers come back for time and time again.
It's proof that sometimes the simplest breakfasts really are the most memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best preserve for sourdough?
We recommend Tangerine Marmalade. Its bright citrus flavour complements the natural tanginess of sourdough without overpowering it.
Is marmalade better than jam on toast?
It depends on your taste. Marmalade offers a vibrant citrus flavour with a slight bitterness, while fruit preserves are sweeter and softer in flavour.
Can you put marmalade on croissants?
Absolutely. Tangerine Marmalade pairs beautifully with warm croissants, especially when served with butter or cream cheese.
What's the difference between marmalade and preserve?
Marmalade is made using citrus fruits and typically includes peel, giving it its distinctive bittersweet flavour. Preserves are made from whole or chopped fruit and tend to have a sweeter, fruit-forward taste.
Pimento Hill's Breakfast Tips
✓ Warm pastries before serving for the best flavour.
✓ Butter your toast while it's still hot.
✓ Try Tangerine Marmalade with mature cheddar on toasted sourdough.
✓ Add Strawberry Preserve with Champagne to Greek yoghurt or overnight oats for an easy breakfast upgrade.
Complete Your Breakfast Table
Can't decide between citrus and sweet?
Our Breakfast Bundle combines our Vintage Orange Marmalade and Strawberry Preserve , making it easy to enjoy something different every morning.
Whether you're hosting brunch, enjoying a slow Sunday breakfast or simply making Tuesday mornings a little brighter, it's a delicious way to start the day.
