With the call going out to all small and medium sized food producers earlier in the year, Mudgee Fine Foods had more than 150 food products entered from all over NSW in their Fine Food Awards for 2008.

“There was a huge diversity of products entered this year,” co-ordinator Liz Mayberry said.

“With 26 classes to enter, we were delighted with the number of producers that entered their products’.

Along with the expected range of jams and jellies, pickles and sauces, the judges also got to taste some more unusual products such as Pomegranate barrel aged Balsamic Vinegar, Spiced Picked Cumquats, Hazelnut Dukkah, and 12 different types of honey.

Producers are now exploring the huge range of native foods available, and products entered included Quandong Jam, Macadamia nuts used in Christmas puddings, oils, and butters, and a Tasmanian Pepper Medley.

To taste some of the fabulous range of products entered in this year’s awards, go along to the ‘taste the best of the best’, from 4-6pm, Sunday, October 18 in the courtyard of the Wineglass Bar and Grill. Cost is $5 a head, including a complementary glass of Mudgee wine, and you can try a diverse range of produce from both our local producers, and also entries from all over NSW.

The trophy and medal winners will all be announced after the tasting, at the awards presentation dinner, also at the Wineglass Bar and Grill, starting at 7pm. The dinner will feature local produce and wine, and bookings can be made at the visitors centre, Market Street, Ph 63721020.