In would have to be the best competition for bacon lovers to judge and deemed Australia's tastiest competition, two local butchers have been named as producing the best bacon in Queensland, just in time for International Bacon Day on August 31.
Westridge Meats in Toowoomba were crowned the 2019 Australian PorkMark Bacon Awards Queensland winner in the short cut category, in addition to taking out second place nationally.
The title of best full rasher bacon in Queensland went to Gray's Modern Meat Mart, also in Toowoomba. Gray's also took out the national second place spot in the full rasher category.
Luke Jensen from Westridge Meats created the state winning short cut bacon, made using 100 per cent Australian pork, and says he's incredibly passionate about producing only the best.
"For our bacon to now be recognised as the best in state and second in Australia is a pretty huge achievement, especially for a small independent butchery. Proud is an understatement," Mr Jensen said.
Australian Pork Limited marketing communications manager Mitch Edwards said the competition shines a light on smallgoods makers who are using 100pc Australian pork to produce their bacon, which is great news for both pig farmers and bacon-lovers.
"Bacon is an Aussie household staple but there's a high chance the family favourite that shoppers are selecting isn't made with Australian pork," Mr Edwards said.
"Many people are surprised to learn that 80pc of bacon sold in Australia is made using imported pork.
"Aussie bacon meets our high safety standards and celebrates fresh, quality, local ingredients.
"If you want to support Aussie pig farmers, by buying bacon made from 100 per cent Australian pork, look for either the pink Australian Pork logo or make sure the bar chart on the country of origin label has a percentage of over 90pc of Australian ingredients."
The process behind naming these bacons' as Queensland's best was fiercely contested, not only by the entrants, but with a spot on the judging panel being a hot ticket.
All entries were judged in their raw and cooked form by a panel of four passionate bacon connoisseurs, Fleischmeister Horst Schurger, chefs Simon Bestley, Adam Moore and Paul McDonald.
In the short cut category, Loveday's Quality Meats in Burleigh Waters took second place and Boodles Meats in North Rockhampton, third.
Monkey Joes Café in Port Douglas took second in the full rasher, with Noosa Meat Centre in Noosaville, third.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
