The closing date for entrants to submit their homemade batch of fruit preserves is looming.

The Homemade Marmalade Awards will close applications for this year this evening.

The Artisan Awards are for small businesses who make their marmalade using the traditional open pan method and sell it commercially, either online or in stores. The Hotel, B&B and Restaurant Awards are for any business that makes marmalade or preserves in their own kitchen and sells it to their customers.

The competition is entering its seventeenth year in style by celebrating the best Britain has to offer. There are quirky categories and a step forward with the Next Generation led by last year’s youngest ever winner.

Nine-year-old Flora Rider claimed the ‘Best in Show’ award at the last ceremony for her Seville Orange and Orange Blossom Marmalade. The founder of the Awards, Jane Hasell-McCosh, is a firm believer that the skill of making marmalade should be passed from generation to generation. Not only is it delicious to eat but it also creates bonds and connects lasting memories with those you cherish.

Part of the Awards’ popularity is that every year there is a new category for the entrants to sink their teeth into and in 2022 there are two new categories available. As well as the Next Generation award, the group has introduced The Triple Peel award, focusing on the best three-fruit marmalade.

The World’s Original Marmalade Awards will take place at Dalemain Mansion, just south of Penrith, on Saturday, May 14.