Student Taste culinary contest

The next contest is set for March 2025!

A student version of our professional Taste competition! Every March, the Iowa Pork Producers Association challenges culinary students from Iowa colleges and universities to create an entrée using a select cut of pork. Judges critique each dish's taste, appearance, complementing sides, and design.

2024 Rules & Guidelines

Read about 2024 winners

 

Check out the top dishes in 2024!

First place

A classic American meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables is fused with Japanese ingredients. Sliced pork loin glazed with red wine and miso is served alongside shaved Brussels sprouts seasoned with togarashi (chili pepper), and potato mochi, a potato patty with a crispy shell, chewy center, and sweet and savory sauce.

Second place

This Mexican-themed carnitas torta features citrus-marinated pork from Gettler Farms in Red Oak. Thinly cut strips of pork are positioned on pan telera (Mexican bread), with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. Accompanying the sandwich are frijoles puercos, a mixture of pinto beans and chorizo; Spanish rice; and elote salad, also known as grilled Mexican street corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and Tahin chili powder.

Third place

Pan-roasted Duroc pork loin sits atop a pork consommé, a clear soup made with concentrated stock. The complete plate offers cilantro-peanut dumplings, sauteed bok choy, wakame (seaweed) salad, and sake-soy glaze.