Missouri meat processors showed they are the nation's best, capturing five grand champion awards last week at the American Cured Meat Championships in Kansas City.
The judging was held in conjunction with the 71st Convention of the American Association of Meat Processors and drew hundreds of entries from across the United States. This year, there were 747 entries in 26 cured meat product categories.
Stonie's Sausage Shop, Perryville, brought home two grand championship trophies for traditional boneless ham and cured specialty meat products. Alewel's Country Meats, Warrensburg, earned grand champion in the country bacon category. Western's Smokehouse, Greentop, had grand champion cured and smoked pork ribs. Paradise Locker Meats, Trimble, received the grand champion trophy for its whole muscle jerky. All entries were judged by a panel of meat experts on the basis of aroma, flavor, eye appeal, color and texture.
To read the rest of this story please go to: Missouri Ruralist