Dough wasn't the only thing on the rise at this year's Tiptree World Bread Awards.For there was a surge in entries for the Gluten Free (GF) category. Competition organisers revealed that this section had seen a 100 per cent rise in participants compared to 2014! So GF winner Davina Steel could be forgiven for enjoying a double toast in recognition of her garlic and rosemary focaccia.
A team of 70 judges smelled, squeezed and tasted hundreds of loaves."The competition was higher and the field more numerous than ever," said Master Baker and Chair of Judges, Stephen Hallam."We had very demanding judging criteria and every entry was judged anonymously."Davina, of home-baking company Mannavida, was victorious because her focaccia, according to the experts, boasted: "excellent taste, bake and lovely crumb softness."The victor, from Great Dunmow, Essex, beat off competition from loaves sent in from around the country; delivered by courier, taxi and in person on the morning of judging in London to ensure maximum freshness.