Are you the maker of joyful jams, chutneys or relishes everyone raves about – or do you know someone who is? Give them a nudge to enter their jars in the Home Industry competition at the Wanaka A&P Show. We’re encouraging more locals to enter the preserves section this year, and want to reassure first-timers that the judging criteria is simple and achievable.
Don’t be unsure on what judges look for. In reality, it comes down to a few basics: clean, undamaged jars; contents filled to the correct level (around a quarter-inch of space at the top); clear labelling with entry tickets attached; and good overall presentation. Lids are removed for judging so contents, colour and consistency can be properly assessed before the judge tastes.
To help with class selection, a PICKLE is vinegar, salt, spices and sugar used to preserve vegetables, fruits or nuts, e.g., gherkins, onions, walnuts, bread & butter pickles. A RELISH: is a sour pickle with the vegetable finely chopped, e.g., corn, tomato, cucumber etc. A CHUTNEY: is a sweet pickle being a mixture of crushed fruit and vegetable cooked with vinegar, sugar, and spices, e.g., tomato, peach, rhubarb etc.
There’s a wide range of classes available, including jams, marmalade, jelly, curd, preserved fruit and vegetables, chutney, pickle, relish, passata, piccalilli, home-made sauce and kimchi. Exhibitors may enter up to two exhibits per class.
This year Sharon Brass will judge the sweet (classes 1050 – 1058) and Tineke-Maree Sutton the savoury (classes 1059 – 1066).
The preserves section is proudly sponsored by Di Kenton and Barkers of Geraldine. Entry is just $1 per exhibit, with prize money of $10 for first place, $6 for second and $4 for third. This year special cash prizes will be awarded and advertised in the Shepherdess Home Industry Pavilion on Thursday 12th March, which is the last day for entries!
If friends and family rave about what you make, this is your chance to share it with the community – clean jar, good fill, clear label, and you’re in. Learn more and enter online at www.wanakashow.co.nz/home-industry/
