The best steaks in NZ

Following last Friday’s semi-final taste test, the 20 most succulent steaks in New Zealand have been named as finalists in the 2015 Beef and Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin Competition.

A panel of 12 well-known foodwriters and chefs, including Kerry Tyack and Julie Biuso, tasted a total of 69 sirloin steaks, judging each one on taste, tenderness and aroma, to find the top four for each class. Semi-final judge, Kerry Tyack says as a returning judge, he was reminded of the outstanding quality of New Zealand beef. “Although the steaks vary in taste, texture and appearance, they’re all of a consistently high standard,” said Tyack.

The 20 finalist steaks will be tasted once more at the Grand Final, to be held at Awapuni Racecouse in Palmerston North on May 11, by Sarah Walker (Beef + Lamb Iron Maiden and Silver Medallist); Lauraine Jacobs (Foodwriter); Marc Soper (Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef and Wharekauhau Country Lodge Executive Chef) and Graham Hawkes (Beef + Lamb Advisory Chef and Head Judge). Between them, the Grand Final judges will determine both the 2015 Grand Champion and Supreme Brand Champion. The 2015 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin finalists are:

Class 1 – Best of Brred/European:
Malcolm Entwisle, Te Kauwhata (Aubrac), processed at Ruakura Meat Processors Jon Knauf, Wairoa (Simmental), processed at Land Meat Tony Partridge, Leeston (Simmental), processed at Ashburton Meat Processors Tony Partridge, Leeston (Simmental), processed at Ashburton Meat Processors

Class 2 – Best of Brred/British:
John Bayly, Paihia (Angus), processed at AFFCO Moerewa
Forbes & Angus Cameron, Ashhurst (Angus), processed at Land Meat
Karen Schumacher, Inglewood (Red Devon), processed at Land Meat
Alistair Sharpe, Waihi (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors/Wilson Hellaby

Class 3 – Best of Brred/Crossbreed and Other:
Don Buchanan, Taumarunui (Piedmontese X), processed at Land Meat
Forbes & Angus Cameron, Ashhurst (Angus/Salers), processed at Land Meat
Ian Grogan, Feilding (Angus/South Devon), processed at Land Meat
Tom Savage, Gisborne (Hereford/Shorthorn), processed at Land Meat

Class 4 – Best of Brand/Retail
Bowmont Wholesale Meats (Hereford Prime) (Hereford)
Bowmont Wholesale Meats (Hereford Prime) (Hereford)
Chef’s Choice (AngusPure) (Angus)
Countdown South Island (Countdown Angus) (Angus)

Class 5 – Best of Brand/Wholesale and Foodservice
Angus Meats (Angus Reserve) (Angus)
ANZCO FOODS (Riverlands) (Angus)
Lake Farm Beef (Angus)
Countdown North Island (Countdown Angus) (Angus)

The competition is open to all beef farmers, retailers, wholesalers and foodservice suppliers.