DISCIPLES and consumers of olive oil will be delighted to learn that the annual competition to select the pick of locally produced oils will soon be taking place again. From Wednesday 4 August a panel of adept tasters will knuckle down to the tasting over three days at Nederburg in Paarl.
The competition is now in its fifth year and every year entries have shown a steady increase. Since its inception in 2006 entries have more than doubled.
However, experts have warned that due to this year’s harvest being considerably smaller there is a strong possibility that the number of entries for this year can show a sharp decline.
The ultimate test for quality lies in the organoleptic evaluation of the various oils and a panel of seven experienced tasters assisted by a co-ordinator will embark upon this daunting task.
The oils will be competing in two classes (boutique oils and commercial oils) and the various styles are defined according to delicately fruity, medium and intensely fruity. An array of double gold, gold, silver and bronze medals are up for grabs and competition is going to be tough as participants will be vying with one another for these sought-after awards.
The award winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony taking place on 31 August at Ashanti in Paarl.
Entries close tomorrow at 12:00 (see www.saolive.colza or 021-870-2900).
