Tasty entries but nothing ‘crazy’
Rows of preserved eggs, pickles, fruit, and jars of sauce and chutney lined a Timaru bar on Sunday, as its third competition highlighting the importance of home industry took place.
There were 96 entries in this year’s Hector Black’s Pickles and Preserves Competition, down on last year, but more than the event’s first year, organiser Tim Black said.
‘‘This year it was pretty traditional, we had the normal things like eggs, pickles, and beetroot,’’ Black said.
‘‘We were surprised there was nothing that crazy preserved this year, that is something we always hope for.
‘‘Different and not-so-traditional categories’’ was something he hoped to see more of in future competitions.
The competition was started as a way to bring home industries back to the community during Covid-19, he said.
‘‘I have had some involvement with A and P associations and through Covid A and P shows couldn’t go ahead, so I thought we could take on this section. ‘‘It is something for all ages.’’
He said learning pickling and preserving was also a way for people to manage during tough financial times.
‘‘They are great ways to try to manage inflation which is going crazy at the moment, as you can keep your produce for longer,’’ he said.
The competition’s pickles, fruit and unusual sections were judged by South Canterbury historian Jeremy Sutherland for the second time, as well as North Island woman Angela Cook, a ‘‘specialist’’ in preserving who looked after the onions and sauces section.
Judges were given pottles of each preserve to test taste from, so they had no idea whose creation they were tasting.
There was also an opportunity for members of the public to taste test the preserves and pickles, with the people’s choice award going to someone who did not place in their industry.
‘‘We had a great turnout, and I hope we get some interesting entries next year,’’ Black said.
Winners
Champion Pickled Onion Trophy: Michelle and Nigel Bartlett (Levels)
Reserve Champ: Mike Rushton (Ashburton)
Champion Relish/Chutney Bryce Black Tray: Nevin Foster, Tomato, (Timaru)
Reserve Champ: Paul Harrison
(Waihao Forks)
Champion Preserve (Peaches): Sue Harrex (Taiko)
People’s Choice Award: Dorothy Willetts (Veg Medley) 1, Dorothy Willetts (Spicy Fejoa Paste) 2, Aleisha Coskerie (Pickled Onions) 3
Beetroot: Mark Mould 1, Mark Mould 2, Faye King 3
Preserved Fruit: Sue Harrex 1, Mark Venmore 2
Eggs: Kirsty Downey 1, Faye King 2 Mixed Veg: Dorothy Willetts 1, Faye King 2
Pickle/Gherkin: Robyn Senecal 1, Robyn Senecal 2, Alesha Coskerie 3
Unusual: Kirsty Downey 1, Greg Collins 2, Faye King 3
Peppers: Dorothy Willetts 1, Kirsty Downey 2, Kirsty Downey 3
Garlic: Storm Dawson 1, Kirsty Downey 2
Jelly: Paul Harrison 1, Robyn Senecal 2, Paul Harrison 3 Spaghetti: Sue Harrex 1
Fruit Relish/Chutney: Paul Harrison (Res) 1, Dorothy Willetts 2, Nigel and Michelle Bartlett 3
Tomato Relish/Chutney: Nevin Foster (Champ) 1, Faye King 2, Elizabeth Spooner 3
Pepper Relish/Chutney: Anne Rich 1, Faye King 2, Sue Harrex 3