A GIFT GUIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Jarhead Farm
A former Marine , Natasha Zoe started Jarhead Farms after she retired from service . Her West Virginia network of growers is primarily women veterans .
Story and photos by Jenny Harnish
Natasha Zoe has always loved canning . She started when she was 8 years old , and she taught canning to fellow Marines during her 10 ½ years of service . Jarhead Farm was born after she retired from the military in 2020 . She said she started by making one batch of jam and it sold out in two days . “ So I did another batch and it sold out , and so I started making jams and jellies .”
Her jams , jellies , fruit butters and fruit syrups are sold in many locations throughout the state as well as state park gift shops . The business supports other farmers like herself . “ We work with 18 different small-scale West Virginia fruit farmers and that gives us access to fruit that is grown throughout the whole state ,” she said . “ We are predominantly woman veterans .”
This season she is selling limited edition gift packs of 2.7 ounce jars of jelly that will fit into carry-on luggage . The flavors are all West Virginia favorites such as Paw Paw ( from Lewisburg ), Elderberry ( from Alderson ), Pear ( from Levels ), Champagne Grape ( from Greenville ).
She makes everything at her farm in Alderson which she is in the process of turning into a fruit orchard .
“ We have so many flavors there ’ s something for everyone ,” she says . “ It ’ s an easy gift . Food around the holiday ’ s creates memories for families .” ❖
CONTACT JarHead Farm , Alderson www . facebook . com / JarHeadFarms Where to buy :
• Patina in Lewisburg
• Grandview Country Store & Market , Grandview
• Bob ’ s American Store & Cafe , Shady Spring
• Fresh Start Market Co ., Summersville
• Pleasant View Farm Market , Ravenswood
JarHead Farm packages their jams and jellies as singles and , abovem , as a Christmas gift sampling of jams .
38 � NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ’ 24 � SOUTH