Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the mountainous region of the Philippines lies a city that captivates the hearts of locals and tourists alike – Baguio City. Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” this enchanting destination offers respite from the sweltering heat experienced in other parts of the country.
Baguio’s cool climate, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture have made it a magnet for travelers seeking to rejuvenate their spirits amidst nature’s embrace. In this bustling city, there is a place that holds a special significance – Good Shepherd Baguio.
This institution, founded by the Religious of the Good Shepherd congregation in 1952, has become an iconic establishment in both culinary and charitable endeavors. It serves not only as a haven for delectable treats but also as an embodiment of compassion and empowerment for women and children in need.
Good Shepherd Baguio: Where Tradition Meets Culinary Excellence
As visitors meander through the bustling streets of Baguio City, they are invariably drawn to an unassuming yet captivating establishment – Good Shepherd Baguio. What began as a convent has blossomed into an extraordinary enterprise that produces some of the most beloved delicacies in the region. The Religious of the Good Shepherd congregation established the Good Shepherd Convent with a mission to uplift women and children in need.
Over time, their efforts expanded beyond charitable initiatives, leading to the creation of a food enterprise that would come to be known as Good Shepherd Baguio. This renowned institution has gained a reputation for its exceptional products such as its signature Ube Jam, Strawberry Jam, and Peanut Brittle.
Through traditional recipes passed down generations, meticulous preparation techniques, and locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms, Good Shepherd Baguio has become synonymous with culinary excellence. However, it is not only their delectable treats that have captured the hearts of both locals and tourists.
The proceeds from these products go towards various charitable programs initiated by the congregation. By indulging in these delightful confections, patrons contribute to causes aimed at empowering women and children in need – making each purchase an act of compassion and support for their admirable mission.
Mission and vision of the congregation to uplift women and children in need
The Religious of the Good Shepherd congregation brought with them a deep-rooted commitment to improving lives through compassion and love. They dedicated themselves to uplifting women who faced significant challenges or were victims of societal injustices, as well as empowering children who lacked access to education or faced difficult circumstances.
Following their mission inspired by St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier’s teachings, these devoted nuns created spaces within Baguio City where vulnerable individuals could find solace, hope, and support. They set up shelters for abused women, provided educational opportunities for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, and implemented various programs aimed at empowering these individuals with skills that would enable them to lead fulfilling lives.
Transformation of the convent into a renowned food enterprise known as Good Shepherd Baguio
Over time, the Good Shepherd Convent evolved beyond its original purpose as a refuge for those in need. The nuns recognized the importance of sustainability and financial independence to continue their mission effectively. With this in mind, they decided to venture into an enterprise that would not only support their charitable work but also showcase the rich culinary heritage of Baguio City.
Thus began the transformation of the convent into what is now known as Good Shepherd Baguio. Drawing on their deep connection with the local community and utilizing traditional recipes passed down through generations, the nuns started producing a range of delectable treats that would soon become iconic offerings in Baguio’s culinary landscape.
By combining their dedication to empowering women with their culinary expertise, Good Shepherd Baguio established itself as a renowned food enterprise. This unique endeavor allowed them to create sustainable opportunities for those they served while simultaneously delighting locals and visitors alike with their exceptional products.
Products Offered by Good Shepherd Baguio
Ube Jam: A Taste of Baguio’s Purple Treasure
One of the most beloved and iconic delicacies from Good Shepherd Baguio is their Ube Jam. This delectable spread is made from locally sourced ube, a purple yam that thrives in the cool climate of the region. The history and popularity of this jam reflect the cultural significance it holds in Baguio.
The process of making Ube Jam starts with careful harvesting of ube tubers, which are then meticulously cleaned, peeled, and boiled to achieve a smooth consistency. The cooked purple yam is then mashed and mixed with just the right amount of sugar to create a perfect balance between sweetness and earthy flavors.
What sets Ube Jam apart is its unique taste, texture, and versatility in culinary applications. The jam has a distinct sweet yet earthy flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various desserts such as cakes, pastries, ice cream, or even as a topping for pancakes or toast.
Recognized as one of Baguio’s iconic delicacies, Ube Jam has become synonymous with Good Shepherd Baguio. Tourists and locals alike flock to their stores to taste this vibrant purple treasure that encapsulates the essence of Baguio’s culinary heritage.
Strawberry Jam: Capturing the Essence of Baguio’s Freshness
Harnessing the cool climate and fertile lands surrounding Baguio City, Good Shepherd produces another crowd favorite – Strawberry Jam. This delightful spread showcases the natural sweetness and freshness of locally grown strawberries. The process begins with carefully cultivated strawberries from nearby farms where they thrive in ideal growing conditions.
Once harvested at peak ripeness, these juicy red berries are carefully washed before being transformed into flavorful jam. At Good Shepherd, the meticulous process of turning fresh strawberries into jam involves gently cooking them with just the right amount of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
The result is a vibrant and luscious jam that bursts with the distinct flavor of freshly picked strawberries. What sets this jam apart from commercially produced ones is its freshness and genuine taste.
You can almost feel the tangy notes and juicy texture of each strawberry as you spread it on your favorite bread or scone. Good Shepherd’s Strawberry Jam truly captures the essence of Baguio’s bountiful harvest.
Peanut Brittle: A Crunchy Delight Crafted with Love
Another treat that has garnered immense love from locals and tourists alike is Good Shepherd’s Peanut Brittle. Made with locally sourced peanuts, this crunchy delight showcases the artistry involved in creating perfectly caramelized brittle. Good Shepherd ensures that only high-quality peanuts are used in their peanut brittle, not only guaranteeing exceptional taste but also supporting local farmers.
The peanuts are carefully roasted to achieve optimum flavor and then mixed with a rich caramel syrup made from a secret recipe. Creating perfectly caramelized brittle requires skillful timing and precision.
The mixture is poured onto a flat surface where it cools down and hardens into delicate sheets of crispy goodness. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, followed by the sweet nuttiness that makes this treat so irresistible.
Good Shepherd’s Peanut Brittle strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and nutty flavors, creating an addictive snack loved by all who taste it. Whether you enjoy it on its own or use it as an accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee, this golden confection is truly a treasure from Baguio.
Location and How To Get There
Address
15 Gibraltar Road, Baguio City, Philippines
How to Get to Good Shepherd Baguio
By jeepney:
- Board a jeepney bound for Mines View Park.
- Kindly request the driver to stop at Good Shepherd Convent.
Contact
+63 74 424 2496
Opening Hours
Conclusion
Good Shepherd Baguio offers an array of delectable products that showcase both the natural bounty of Baguio City and the culinary expertise within its walls. From the iconic Ube Jam, capturing the essence of the region’s purple treasure, to the Strawberry Jam that encapsulates Baguio’s freshness, and the Peanut Brittle crafted with love and locally sourced ingredients – each product tells a story of passion, tradition, and exceptional flavors.
With their commitment to quality and supporting local farmers, Good Shepherd has become a beloved institution not only in Baguio but also among visitors from all corners of the world. The products they offer are truly a testament to Baguio’s rich culinary heritage and leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to experience their delightful creations.
So, next time you find yourself in Baguio City, make sure to visit Good Shepherd Baguio and indulge in their heavenly treats.
