Carrot jam with chilli (Burkān' zapt' a čilī)

Laila Puķīte offers a special and unusual treat - carrot jam in a variety of flavours.

As owner Laila Puķīte explains, it all began in 2017 when she entered the competition "New Alsunga Treats". "I entered it with my carrot jams and won first place. From the tasters' feedback I realised the jams were good and I should carry on with the idea."

In 2020 she registered with the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) as a home producer. Carrots are held in high esteem in Alsunga, because so many people bake sklandrausis pies, so she looked for new ideas, opportunities and novelties for new offerings with a Suiti flavour and a little zing, offering carrot jam made from local produce. In this way Alsunga and its goodies are promoted beyond Alsunga and beyond Latvia. As she already makes various sklandrausis and carrot souvenirs, carrot jam is a great addition to the existing offer for Alsunga's visitors.

Since 2007 Laila Puķīte has also led various masterclasses on the Alsunga folk costume and other handicrafts. Since 2009 she has taken part in the culinary heritage network at "Spēlmaņu krogs" and leads masterclasses on traditional dishes for young and old, Latvians and foreigners alike. Dishes that were highly valued in olden times are explained, demonstrated and cooked together. The most popular is the Kurzeme sklandrausis. Since 2011 she has also sung in the folklore ensemble "Suitu sievas".

The products can be bought on Sundays at the Alsunga Suiti market or from local businesses - Spēlmaņu krogs, Pitstop and Sapņotava.