Application Deadline Extended for JCDC Culinary Arts Competition

Persons interested in participating in this year’s Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Culinary Arts Competition now have until Friday, May 10, to submit their applications.

The deadline, which was initially set for April 27, has been extended, giving persons more time to complete their free online registration via the JCDC’s website at www.jcdc.gov.jm.

The competition is open to persons aged 12 and older.

Culinary Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Jane Jerry, told JIS News that for this year’s competition, participants are expected to use banana as the featured food in the dishes being prepared.

“We know that banana is underutilised, so we want to see persons coming up with creative ideas using the banana,” said Ms. Jerry.

She pointed out that participants can choose to enter the competition in any of the 11 categories, such as Batters and Doughs, Pan Chicken, Traditional Jamaican Dishes, Knife Skill Techniques, Recipe Writing, Wedding and Celebration Cakes, Preserves and Condiments, Wines and Liqueurs, Production to Plate, Mystery Basket and the JCDC’s 60th Food Bliss of Yesteryear.

Of the 11 categories, only Production to Plate is open to group participation.

Ms. Jerry further indicated that once an individual decides to enter the competition, he or she should go through the handbook on the website, which will outline details on each category, such as the items that will require preparation beforehand and those that will be prepared on spot, among other things.

The Culinary Arts Development Specialist further encouraged participation in the competition, noting that it is aimed at maintaining Jamaica’s cultural heritage when it comes to food.

“We want persons to be creative in what they do because we know that it is hard times, and sometimes you may have a little bit of something at home and you can be very creative with the little that you have. So, when persons do come to this competition, they will move around and see what other persons from other regions would have done,” said Ms. Jerry.

The JCDC Culinary Arts Competition will be held in May and June across four regions.