Celebrity twins taste test for Glammies

CRIS JOHNSTON/Southland Times

SISTER ACT: Jools (left) and Lynda Topp, better known as the Topp Twins, were giving nothing away in their new career as lamb tasters at the Upper Clutha A&P Show yesterday.

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Competition was sizzling in the Meat and Wool New Zealand tent at the Upper Clutha A&P Show yesterday as the fourth annual Golden Lamb Awards (aka Glammies) got under way.

The awards, run by Beef and Lamb New Zealand, attracted entries from farmers throughout New Zealand vying to be named the producer of the country's most tender and tasty lamb.

Before qualifying for the final taste test at Wanaka, each entry had undergone vigorous analysis by Cambridge company Carne Technologies with 20 lamb rumps, including 13 from southern producers, selected to challenge the palates of a celebrity judging panel consisting of the Topp Twins, former All Black Richard Loe, Southland chef and food writer Graham Hawkes and Beef and Lamb New Zealand chef Michael Coughlin, of Dunedin.

This year the competition attracted a capacity audience with many show visitors seizing a chance to see New Zealand's singing sisters.

The Topp sisters were focused as they tested each cut for aroma, tenderness, juiciness and texture.

"It's really quite exciting doing this," Jools said.

While she felt juiciness was the most important quality, sister Lynda said it all came down to the flavour.

Winners in the five sections were announced at a late-afternoon prizegiving ceremony, with the top honours going to Hugh and Helen Winder, of Feilding.

Morning events at the 73rd annual show were dominated by equestrian competitions. Upper Clutha A&P Show co-ordinator Jane Stalker said the first day of the 2010 event had just got better and better. "There has been a good crowd helping create a great, busy, atmosphere," Mrs Stalker said.

The show continues today with the Grand Parade, sheepdog trials, showjumping and entertainment by the Topp Twins.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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