Guide to the San Juans

What the San Juans Taste Like

Take the islands home with some of these locally made pantry items.

By Allison Williams August 1, 2014 Published in the August 2014 issue of Seattle Met

Products mj8pun

Kari’s Island Elixirs Hop Citrus Bitters

  • OriginSan Juan Island 
  • Tastes likeAn intense blend of bitter herbs, balanced by sweet honey from Kari’s own bees and sold at San Juan Island Distillery. A few drops liven sparkling water or a cocktail.
  • Locally FoundSugar Pill Apothecary, 900 E Pine St, Capitol Hill, 206-322-7455; sugarpillseattle.com sanjuanislanddistillery.com

Girl Meets Dirt Orcas Pear With Fresh Bay Preserves 

  • Origin: Orcas Island 
  • Tastes likeThe tang of a pear variety discovered on Orcas plus a hint of spice from bay leaves grown in the garden of Audra Lawlor girlmeetsdirt.com 

Pelindaba Lavender Honey

  • OriginSan Juan Island 
  • Tastes likeClover honey with a floral kick, thanks to lavender infusion and sprig of Provence lavender flower in the jar.
  • Locally FoundVarious Pelindaba products at Wild Rose’s Antiques and Gifts, 4529 California Ave SW, West Seattle, 206-935-2780; pelindabalavender.com 

Lopez Larry’s Smokey Chardonnay Mustard Sauce

  • Origin: Lopez Island 
  • Tastes likeLess bite than a Dijon, and smokier too, with just a hint of wine. Locals like to slather it on salmon and add dill before grilling it. rexvillegrocery.com 

Chicaoji Hot Sauce

  • OriginLopez Island 
  • Tastes likeThe burn of alder-smoked chipotle chilies plus bitter cacao and tart goji berries; a more complex hot sauce for eggs, meats, or a real pick-me-up breakfast
  • Locally Found DeLaurenti Specialty Food and Wine, 1435 First Ave, Downtown, 206-622-0141; delaurenti.comchicaoji.com
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