Media WriterThe Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition deadline for the submission of entries for its 2022 staging closes today Friday, May 27, 2022, at midnight.
A signature programme on the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) annual calendar, the Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition and Exhibition has aimed to hone the skills and knowledge of chefs, winemakers, and other culinary entrepreneurs across the island for over five decades.
Persons interested in entering this year’s staging of the free competition may do so online at the JCDC’s website www.jcdc.gov.jm. The categories which are currently open for entry include: Batters & Doughs, Wedding & Celebration Cakes, Traditional Jamaican Dishes, Knife Skills Technique and Recipe Writing.
“Jamaican Cuisine is one area in which Jamaica has made a great impact on the world. Undeniably much of the credit is a result of the vibrant annual Jamaican Culinary Arts Competition and Exposition staged by the JCDC. In addition to honing the skills of our participants, learning to turn ordinary food into delectable delights also offers the opportunity for more value-added products from our local agricultural produce,” said Jane Jerry, JCDC Culinary Arts Developmental Specialist.
“Each year, we highlight a locally produced food item to help stimulate the creativity of our participants, while highlighting the versatility of our local farm produce. This year that local food item will be the breadfruit,” Jerry continued, noting that the breadfruit has an impressive array of health benefits and that this exotic fruit can be cooked and eaten in various styles.
Jerry also noted that prospective participants may access this year’s Handbook on the JCDC’s website, where they will receive guidance on the rules and regulations of the Competition, as well as invaluable information on how best to prepare themselves for entry.
“We are encouraging participants to bring forth their ‘A game’ so that we can showcase only the best of the best in the respective categories for each regional finals, especially as this is Jamaica 60, the year of our Diamond Jubilee,” Jerry said.
The Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition provides opportunities for Jamaicans to express their culinary creativity. This Competition aims at continuing the development of Jamaican Cuisine while preserving Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage and promoting talents and creative abilities by stimulating an awareness of the many uses and versatility of local farm produce.
