The gastronomic and cultural market Els Magazinos, located in Dénia, will be the venue where the best tomato from the Valencian Community will be chosen on Sunday, July 26th. This contest, which began as a regional event, has become a regional competition to honor Valencian farmers and their star seasonal product.
The event, organized by Els Magazinos and Cerveza Turia, will feature a jury of experts led by renowned chef Quique Dacosta. The jury will also include figures such as gastronome Cuchita Lluch, actor and gastronome Juan Echanove, journalist Rosa Rivas, communicator Marta Hortelano, chef Maca de Castro, content creator Héctor Medina, and Enrique García from Cervezas Turia. They will evaluate aspects such as the appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture of the presented tomatoes.
The call is open to all farmers in the Valencian Community. The contest categories include 'Best Tomato', 'Best Hanging Tomato', 'Best Preserved Tomato', 'Best Dried Tomato', and, as a novelty, 'Best Tomato Sauce'. Registrations can be made by sending an email to hola@elsmagazinos.com or a Whatsapp message to 609 93 96 07 before July 23rd.
The prizes for the main category include €500 for the first place, €400 for the second, and €200 for the third, in addition to a meal for two at Quique Dacosta's restaurant. The 'Best Tomato Sauce' category will also have similar prizes. Winners of the remaining categories will receive a €50 voucher to spend at Els Magazinos.
The day will begin with a 'Tomaquer Breakfast' at A La Fresca, followed by a market selling tomatoes of different varieties. Subsequently, the jury will conduct the tasting and evaluation of the tomatoes, and finally, at 2 PM, the awards ceremony will take place at Cuinetes. The event will feature collaborations with Aprosdeco and Fundación Baleària.
