Sweet Heat Co.
What began as an experiment in the kitchen with a bumper crop of jalapeños has grown into a beloved North Idaho tradition. In 2008, Derek Blumenschein found himself with more peppers than he knew what to do with, leading him to try his hand at pepper jelly using a simple recipe found on the side of a pectin box. What started as a homemade holiday gift quickly became a local favorite, fueling Derek’s passion for creating unique, flavor-packed preserves that blend sweet, spicy, and unexpected ingredients. By 2010, Sweet Heat Co. was born, and Derek began crafting his signature jellies in a commercial kitchen, selling them at farmers’ markets, local events, and small retailers. Over the years, he expanded his line to include non-spicy fruit preserves like Bananas Foster Jam and Monkey Butter, offering something for every palate. Through perseverance, community support, and a deep love for his craft, Derek navigated challenges to continue growing his business, always staying true to his commitment to quality, bold flavors, and small-batch craftsmanship. Now operating out of Kitchen Ponderay, a dedicated commercial space in the Bonner Mall, Sweet Heat Co. is thriving once again, producing jars of sweet, spicy, and non-spicy goodness in the place Derek proudly calls home. With the help of family, friends, and a few trusted hands, he continues to create handcrafted preserves that celebrate the bounty of North Idaho, one jar at a time.
