QUEENSLAND’s best hams have been revealed.
Noosa Meat Centre, Noosaville, took top honours in the state’s traditional bone-in category and second nationally, with Sunvalley Fine Foods, Warana, taking Queensland’s Best Boneless Ham and second nationally.
In the Queensland competition, Gold Coast Meat Centre, Burleigh Heads, took second place in both traditional bone-in and boneless categories. Terry Orreal Quality Meats, Brendale, rounded out top three in the traditional category, while The Aussie Smoke House, Warana, placed third in the boneless.
Australian Pork Limited marketing manager Mitch Edwards said Christmas ham season had arrived and the Australian PorkMark Ham Awards helped people find a great tasting ham for their celebrations.
“A judging panel assessed more than 140 entries against a range of criteria, from appearance and aroma to texture and taste,” Mr Edwards said.
“The Australian PorkMark Ham Awards recognise the best hams made from 100 per cent home-grown pork and once again our judges were impressed by the quality.”
Fleischmeister Horst Schurger, who has a Master’s Degree in Butchering and Smallgoods from the Master College in Monchengladbach, Germany, joined chefs, Paul McDonald and Simon Bestley, on the judging panel.
“Judges were again impressed with the quality of entries and we hope this will help people select the perfect centrepiece for their festive feasts,” Mr Edwards said.
“While all Traditional Bone-in Hams are proudly Australian, many people are surprised to find more than two thirds of ham sold in Australia is made from imported pork.
“So, if you’re buying a boneless ham, look for the pink PorkMark or the words Product of Australia.”
Australia’s Best Artisan Ham and Best Boneless Ham was won by Pingelly Quality Meats, Pingelly, Western Australia. Australia’s Best Traditional Bone-in Ham was won by Barossa Fine Foods, Edinburgh North, South Australia. Best Nationally Available ham was awarded to Woolworths, for its Woolworths Half Leg Ham – Bone In.
For more winners of this year’s Australian PorkMark Ham Awards, plus recipes, tips and tricks for your Christmas ham, visit www.pork.com.au
Results
Queensland’s Best Traditional Bone-in Ham: 1. Noosa Meat Centre, Noosaville. 2. Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre, Burleigh. 3. Terry Orreal Quality Meats, Brendale.
Queensland’s Best Boneless Ham: 1. Sunvalley Fine Foods Warana. 2. Gold Coast Meat Centre, Burleigh Heads. 3. The Aussie Smoke House, Warana.
NATIONAL
Overall Winner and Best Artisan Ham: Pingelly Quality Meats, Pingelly, WA.
Australia’s Best Boneless Ham: 1. Pingelly Quality Meats, Pingelly, WA. 2. Sunvalley Fine Foods, Warana, Qld. 3. German Butchery, Mona Vale, NSW.
Australia’s Best Traditional Bone-in Ham: 1. Barossa Fine Foods, Edinburgh North, SA. 2. Noosa Meat Centre, Noosaville, Qld. 3. Lago and Paramount Smallgoods, Melbourne, Vic.
Nationally Available: 1. Woolworths, Woolworths Half Leg Ham – Bone. 2. Bertocchi, Australian Leg Ham – Hickory. HC. Woolworths, Woolworths Whole Leg Ham – Bone In.
