TWO South Coast sausage supremos are sharpening their knives for a state-wide showdown.
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Through to the NSW finals of the annual Sausage King contest are Batemans Bay’s Jason Funnell, of Bayside Meats and Deli, and Quaama’s John Tracey, of Barrabarro Farm Fesh Meats, who sells at Moruya Country Markets.
Both won South Coast heats held this month at Bega TAFE, qualifying for the state final on October 25 in Wollongong.
The Australian Meat Industry Council sponsors the nationwide event annually.
Mr Tracey will fly the South Coast flag in three categories in the NSW final, after winning the poultry section with his duck, orange and pistachio sausage; the continental section with his German bratwurst and the gourmet open section with his coconut curry sausage.
Mr Funnell will carry the region’s hopes into the Australian lamb open section, after winning his heat with his olive, garlic, herb and feta sausage.
Mr Tracey was second in that section, with his lime and ginger entry.
He also took second place in the open gourmet section with a mixed gourmet sausage; and was third in the continental section with Sicilian pork and fennel.
Mr Funnell was third in the poultry section with his cracked pepper, herb and Worcestshire sauce sausage.
He also proved his versatility in the burger section, claiming third place with chicken, ricotta, spinach and herbs.
Contest spokesman Craig Wright said 10 South Coast butchers, from South Nowra to the border, competed in the sausage and burger heats for independent butchers.
“The judging team of consumer and trade experts was impressed with the creativity and quality of the entries – no longer the humble sausage, but healthy, main meal choices,” Mr Wright said.
“The sausages and burgers were scrutinized in the uncooked stage on internal and external appearance, texture, bloom, shape and consistency.
“They are then carefully cooked on the barbecue and judged on cooked appearance, distribution of texture and ingredients, and, of course, the all important flavour.”
Heats are held in 19 regions between July and September.
State winners contest the national finals in Adelaide in February.
