Less than 2% of products entered receive Three Gold Stars and two of Ross & Ross Gifts’ products have been awarded this in one year.
British food and gifting company, Ross & Ross Gifts has won three gold stars at this year’s Great Taste Awards for not just one, but TWO of their products.
The Lemon Drop Chilli, Garlic & Thyme Salt as well as the Lemon Drop & Chipotle Chilli Salt have both been awarded this top accolade, courtesy of the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme.
Both limited edition salts have now gone onto judging for the prestigious Golden Fork Awards, where 48 top chefs, writers and food experts will decide overall category winners which will be announced on September 1st.
The two salts have been made using rare chillies grown by Rawdon Wyatt at his Oxfordshire Chilli Garden. The team gives Rawdon an order in January, allowing time for the chillies to grow in the summer and then dried out in October.
Halen mon sea salt forms the base of the two salts, which is enjoyed around the world by chefs, food lovers and even Barack Obama, as well as being served at the London 2012 Olympics and British royal weddings.
Speaking on the success of his two award-winning salts, Ross Bearman, Founder of Ross & Ross Gifts said:
“To have our products recognised by the Guild of Fine Food is a huge accolade and we just want to take this opportunity to thank all of our incredible suppliers who help us create these award-winning products and foodie gifts”.
“As soon as I smelt and tasted the Aji Limon chillies I knew we were onto a winner. We actually had samples from other chilli sellers coming from Peru and Zimbabwe and the difference was just incredible. They were dull and lacked any real zing whereas ours were just next level. We can’t wait to harvest more in October and create another run of these limited edition, Great Taste Award-winning salts.”
The Judges’ feedback on the products was incredibly positive. Speaking of the Lemon Drop & Chipotle Chilli Salt, they stated:
“A very pretty and vibrant salt with flecks from all of the ingredients. They are all evenly sized, perfect for culinary use. The nose is enticing and smoke filled…and the flavour – wow! Just WOW! The heat rises and falls, offering layer upon layer of spice, heat and fruitiness. The salt flakes are not only beautiful but perfectly sized and full of minerality. Smooth and not bitter at all. The blend of different chillies is harmonious – they all work together offering up their own integral authenticity. We think this is tremendous and it is obvious that so much thought has gone into the process of developing it.”
The Lemon Drop Chilli, Garlic & Thyme Salt received fabulous feedback also, including the below:
“This is very clever. A salt that keeps on giving and the layers of flavour open up like flower petals – a continued development on the palate. The salt is beautifully clean, the chilli is well balanced and offers up fruity heat – which is quite intense, yet not at a level where you weep! The lemon thyme threads through and the garlic is on the finish. However, saying that – every time we tried more, the different ingredients highlighted at different times. This is an absolute stunner. And a delight to judge.”
Full feedback from the Great Taste Awards can be viewed here: https://greattasteawards.co.uk/results
Head over to the salt product pages (Chipotle & Garlic & Thyme) for updates on when both will be back in stock during Autumn 2022.