Jthe culinary journalist Cosmin Dragomir, author of the volume Curatorul de Zacuscă, announces that he will organize the first edition of the National Championship of Zacuscă in the fall.
The initiative is part of a longer-term partnership with the FNDA (National Federation of Authorized Tasters from Romania) who will also take care of the judging, according to international standards, of the dishes in the competition. Partner: Corks Cozy bar.
"I think we need such contests that, in addition to establishing quality rankings according to the organoleptic properties of the dishes, promote elements that can constitute the national gastronomic identity. While the ajvar or even the Balkan lutenitsa benefit from worldwide recognition, the local zacusca seems to be more of a product that, when exported, has the Romanian diaspora as its main market", says Cosmin Dragomir.
Judging is done according to a professional file that contains differentiation criteria similar to those of professional tastings of other food products, according to models standardized at European level, and adapted to the specificities of the examined product. The jury is made up of Members of the National Federation of Authorized Tasters, who will be nominated by its management both for the reception and storage of samples, as well as for the judging committees, but also (other) specialists in the HoReCa field: chefs, sommeliers, bloggers and culinary journalists etc. Following the judging, medals will be awarded and producers have the opportunity to apply official signage on packaging and labels.
"I want the results of this competition to become an important marketing and promotion tool and especially a differentiating element on the shelf. Our signage applied on the packaging means the guarantee of quality and the recommendation of professionals for the end customer", adds the gastronomic journalist.
The competition is held in three large categories depending on the production capacity and in several subcategories that are determined by the ingredients: classic, with fish, with mushrooms, with other vegetables, etc. The organizers only accept samples from authorized producers who sell the products in at least one store.
Intention to participate and do by filling out a form at http://cosmindragomir.ro/campionat or by mail at cosmin.dragomir@gastroart.ro
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