Nosh Food Market takes out Ham of the Year

Media release ham – 1

October 17, 2012

Best ham in the land

Nosh Food Market has the best ham in the land.

The Auckland-based market-style chain has taken the top prize of 2012 ‘Ham of the Year’ at the annual 100% Bacon & Ham competition, also winning the best boneless sliced ham.

Nosh’s Black Rock Butchery free-farmed, Manuka smoked, honey cured ham won from 53 other entrants who submitted more than 70 hams in this year’s awards.

According to chef and head judge Graham Hawkes, Nosh’s sliced ham was a standout entry in the blind-tasting, with all four judges unanimous in their decision to award it top honours.

Judges said it was “‘wow’ at first bite!” with perfect texture and taste. Each entry was ranked on texture, aroma, taste and all-important colour.

“When we began this business six years ago we had a vision - to source the finest local food and deliver it to consumers at competitive prices,” says Nosh managing director Clinton Beuvink.

“For us, our meat division and our exclusive brand Black Rock Butchery is part of that vision – and it is something we are very proud of.

“Our team of butchers at Black Rock Butchery comprises qualified, passionate and experienced people,” he says. “They search out the finest cuts of meat and then they work their magic - producing our award winning sausages – and now our award winning ham.”

Beuvink says quite a process goes in to making the perfect ham.

The company uses only New Zealand 100% free farmed pork legs which are combined with Manuka honey, salt and sugar and placed into a special brine solution for 12 hours before being trimmed by hand to remove bone and excess fat. The ham is smoked the old fashioned way and steam is also added to keep moisture in the meat.

Finally, the hams are cooked and closely monitored to ensure even cooking – “just like you would if you were doing it at home,” Beuvink says.

The 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Competition was established to celebrate New Zealand’s finest cured pork products and to help customers identify and appreciate local, sustainable bacon and ham and support NZ pork producers.

With less than 10 weeks before Christmas, the ham-buying season has officially begun. Nosh’s sliced ham and its range of boned ham is available in all its five stores now.

For more information on 100% NZ Bacon, Ham and Pork go to www.extraordinarykitchen.co.nz or go to www.noshfoodmarket.com or www.Blackrockbutchery.com

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