Applications open for World Porridge Making Championships
Applications are now open for entrants to the World Porridge Making Championships, writes Robbie Macdonald.
Budding porridge makers have until June 21 to apply for a chance to compete at the 30th edition of the annual tournament in Carrbridge which will be held on October 7.
Competitors travel from all over the world to compete for the Golden Spurtle – a wooden Scottish kitchen tool traditionally used to stir porridge.
Lisa Williams, who runs Stennetts Community Cafe in the small Suffolk town of Trimley Saint Mary is the reigning champion and has held her title since 2019.
She won both competitions either side of the pandemic with judges describing her porridge as “rich, flavourful and well-seasoned”.
She will return this year in a bid to become the first ever three-time winner of the competition.
Rules state that the traditional porridge must be made with untreated adding only water and salt added.
The porridge is judged based on the consistency, taste, and colour as well as the competitor’s hygiene during the cooking process.
Alongside the traditional contest, a further award is given for the best speciality porridge.
Entrants cook traditional porridge alongside other ingredients and are judged on the blending and harmony of the flavours.
Chris Young won last years speciality award with his savoury and sweet porridge noodles.
The Championships begin with a pipe band parade through the village followed by a toast to the porridge from the year’s whisky ambassador.
Thirty-minute heats take place throughout the day before a final 20-minute cook-off between winners to settle the ultimate champion.
The event was created in 1994 by Roger Reed, who was the owner of the Fairwinds Hotel and secretary of the Carrbridge Community Council.
The idea of the competition was to raise awareness of the health benefits of porridge as well as the profile of Carrbridge.
Competitors now travel from all over the world to the small highland town with porridge makers coming from as far as Australia last year.
The World Porridge Making Championships are sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland, a porridge manufacturer based in Banff.
The competition is open to professionals and amateurs alike and if you think you have what it takes to win you can apply now at www.goldenspurtle.com/competition-entry/.
