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Farm Kitchen:  Fair time is coming-anyone know about judging?  |
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NancyM
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Nancy
Fall City
WA
113 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 8:22:59 PM
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Hi All-
I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about how things are judged at fairs? In particular, jams, pickles and pies. I'm having a pretty good year with jam & pie so far...
Nancy
Farmgirl Sister #159 |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 9:15:26 PM
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I judged the jam/jelly section of our fair one year. Here are a few things we looked for, most though, I think you'll find just common sense.
- wax-sealed jams must not have any cracks in the wax or seepage through it
- jars must be clean and not sticky (amazing how many weren't)
- no rusty lids or rings
- metal lids must be properly sealed and "pop" when opened
- no floating fruit in jams (stir until slightly cooled to prevent this)
- an opened jar must show no signs of foam on the surface
- no air spaces or bubbles
- be precise when filling your jars...if they ask for 1/2" head space, make sure it is exactly that
- if the class of your entry requires, for example, three different jams or jellies, use the same style of jar and make sure all jars are filled equally for good presentation
That's what I can think of off the top of my head.
One year we had the greatest entry. Three ladies from a local retirement home had prepared and entered three separate little jars of blackberry jam (competing against each other!!). Needless to say, all three "tied"! :)
Good luck Nancy, hope you come home with lots of blue ribbons!!
Di on VI
Farmgirl Sister #73 |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4235 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4235 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2008 : 09:02:07 AM
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I have heard that sometimes, when deciding the winner, they even looked at if the writing on the lid, was lined up with any writing on the jar! How pickey is that! Having your pickles, or whatever, lined up neatly in your jar is a big one.
Good Luck
Michele |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2008 : 09:05:13 AM
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Nancy, Diane has excellent advice. I enter mostly veggies and pickles. One thing I might add is to make sure you have enough juice to just cover the product leaving the 1/2" head space. I always take the ring off that I used to can the stuff, clean the outside of the jar (I use windex to make it shine) then put on a NEW ring. Make sure the ring is tight but not so tight that the judge cannot get it off.
Wish I had some advice on pies. Could use some myself. Our fair does not allow pumpkin or cream pies and that is what I do best. The judge got ahold of a spoiled pie one time and it is so hot in Aug that they don't allow them anymore.
Looking forward to hearing how many blue ribbons you win. Or better yet, how about a couple of purple ones. |
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NancyM
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Nancy
Fall City
WA
113 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2008 : 4:16:03 PM
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Thank you so much! Your wonderful advice is much appreciated. I may just go ahead and go for it! Keep the advice coming if you have more.
Nancy
Farmgirl Sister #159 |
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Farm Kitchen: Fair time is coming-anyone know about judging? |
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Fair time is coming-anyone know about judging?
