SOUTH Australia’s best Aussie bacon has been revealed ahead of International Bacon Day and Father’s Day this weekend.
Australian Pork Limited general manager of marketing Peter Haydon said the Australian Bacon Awards were held annually to celebrate the very best bacon made from 100 per cent Aussie pork.
“Celebrate the smoky flavour and crispy crunch this weekend by serving up delicious Aussie bacon from brekky, lunch, dinner or even dessert,” Mr Haydon said.
“To help you celebrate, we’ve just named the state and nation’s best Australian bacon.”
Specialist judges Fleischmeister Horst Schurger and chefs Simon Bestley and Adam Moore assessed the appearance, aroma and taste of 125 entries.
Leabrook Quality Meats took out the state’s best full rasher bacon and placed second nationally, for a bacon the judges described as a great product that looks fantastic, has excellent balance in flavour and a very good and mild aroma.
Second place went to Cummins Meat Store, Cummins, with third to Kanmantoo Bacon, Kanmantoo.
In the short cut category, Schulz Butchers, Edinburgh North, impressed judges with the entry noted as having a soft and very good texture, nice and neat appearance.
Skara Smallgoods, Nairne, placed second, with Leabrook Quality Meats, Leabrook, rounding out the top three.
The prestigious title of Australia’s best bacon went to Campbell’s Superior Meats, West Pymble, NSW, for its short cut bacon, which took out the NSW and national titles, while the best Australian full rasher was from Big Country Meats n Foods, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
“Congratulations to these winners and to all the entrants, who put forward some great entries that showcased beautiful true blue bacon,” Mr Haydon said.
“Many people are shocked to learn that 70pc of bacon sold here is made from imported pork, but these awards showcase the great tasting, high quality products that are available.
“When you buy your bacon, remember to check it’s made with 100pc Australian pork by looking for the pink PorkMark logo, or read the l label to ensure it’s at least 70pc Australian ingredients.”
Join in the celebrations this weekend, September 1 and 2, and share the #aussiebaconisbest joy on social media.
And the winners are…
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Short cut
1. Schulz Butchers, Edinburgh North.
2. Skara Smallgoods, Nairne.
3. Leabrook Quality Meats, Leabrook.
Full rasher
1. Leabrook Quality Meats, Leabrook.
2. Cummins Meat Store, Cummins.
3. Kanmantoo Bacon, Kanmantoo.
NATIONAL
Overall winner - Campbell’s Superior Meats, West Pymble, NSW.
Short cut
1. Campbell’s Superior Meats, West Pymble, NSW.
2. Perry’s Quality Meats, Smithton, Tas.
3. Elite Meats, Holt, ACT.
Full rasher
1. Big Country Meats n Foods, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
2. Leabrook Quality Meats, Leabrook.
3. Meatways Butchery, Kambah, ACT.
