The goal of this competition is to recognize the best Mexican taco recipe in which Canary Islands Avocado with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) serves as the main ingredient and star of the dish, while promoting creativity, technique, flavor, and speed of execution.The competition featured six participants, previously selected by the Organizing Committee, who had to be active professional chefs. In addition to avocado, they could use other ingredients of their choice, provided they respected the essence of the Mexican taco and were safe for consumption. The winner received a prize of 1,500 euros, and the runner-up received 1,000 euros. For its part, the Canary Islands Avocado PGI presented a selection of local products to all finalists, as well as a certificate of participation.Prior to the championship, there were a series of presentations organized by the Canary Islands Avocado PGI and the ICCA. The program was as follows:
10:00–10:30: Canary Islands Avocado PGI. The importance and value of its registration.
The presentation highlighted the challenges involved in obtaining European registration for this product, as well as the benefits and advantages this registration brings to Canarian producers and consumers in general.
Speaker: Canarian Institute for Agri-Food Quality.
10:30–11:00:Distinctive qualities of the Canary Islands Avocado PGI. Historical overview. Adaptation to the Canary Islands environment. Varieties covered by the PGI: Characteristics.Speaker: Management Body of the Canary Islands Avocado PGI.During the presentation on the varieties (characteristics), a tasting was offered to the audience.Next, the order of participation was drawn by lottery, and then the competition began.
Winners:1º premio:Daniel Martínez - Restaurante Tatemado- Madrid2º premio:Salvador Melgar - CIFP en Santa Mª de Guía- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Jurados:Francisco José Echandi Domínguez - Presidente Órgano Gestor IGP Aguacate de CanariasAlberto González Margallo - Restaurante San Sebastián 57, Santa Cruz de TenerifeRita Sánchez - Asesora gastronómica y ChefElena Vega - Chef Taberna Errante, MadridBalo Ortiz, Restaurante Chiribita, MadridTristán Ramírez - CEO Grupo Ágatha Ruíz de la Prada
Concursantes seleccionados:Boris Payan - Restaurante Valletako, MadridDaniel Martínez - Restaurante Tatemado, MadridIleana Vázquez - Restaurante Los Mandilones, MadridMiguel Ángel Expósito - Restaurante Retama, Torrenueva, Ciudad RealRosa Moncerrate Muñoz - Restaurante Xamach, MadridSalvador Melgar - CIFP en Santa Mª de Guía, Las Palmas