Former associate editor of Neos Kosmos English edition Ross Karavis lent his tastebuds to judge Melbourne’s best hot cross buns for the Epicure this week.
His food expertise was put to good use along with six other judges who blind tasted a variety of hot cross buns from artisan bakeries and cafes across Melbourne, Victoria. The overall winner was a hot cross bun from Candied Bakery, Spotswood.
The buns were described as ”handsome” by one taster, with ”lovely freshness and appealing fruit” in flavour by another. Each judge was asked to score the buns on five elements:
1. Appearance and aroma.
2. The balance of the components – is the spice too much or too little?
3. The fruit – is the fruit content measured and treated delicately?
4. Texture – is the bun dense and rich or light and fluffy, and how does it feel in the mouth to chew? and
5. Flavour – quite simply, does it taste good or not?