Taste & Tell
Speedy supermarket lamb shanks: which ready-to-cook version is king?
To help you buy the best, we put meaty dishes that can be cooked in under 30 minutes to the taste test
Image: 123RF/Brent Hofacker
HOW WE CONDUCTED OUR TASTE TEST
It's free and fair
We know that taste is a subjective thing and what’s good for one may not be for someone else. But it is interesting that, when a group of tasters come together, the results are usually consistent — there’s always a favourite and least-favoured item.
For this taste test, we invited a group of readers to attend a blind-tasting of supermarket convenience foods in Johannesburg. While we endeavour to rate the same items from each of the five big retailers, this is not always possible as not all of our local supermarkets carry similar products.
To ensure the taste test was free and fair, food expert Jenny Kaye was in the kitchen to supervise as products were removed from their packaging, numbered and cooked or reheated according to package instructions.
The tasters were presented the dishes “naked” which they rated on a score sheet. The products were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, value for money and whether the taster would buy it.
Auditor Jade Craig oversaw the entire process: she checked the products in the kitchen, sat in on the tasting, and collated the scores.
THE RESULTS
FIRST PLACE: PICK N PAY
Honey & balsamic lamb shanks
Price: 1kg for R199.99
What our tasters said:
- Phetolo: Tasted more of the rosemary than the balsamic. Delicious and tender.
- Jo: The tastiest of the three samples we tasted. Juicy, good sauce and more onions and carrots. Good value for money.
- Brandon: This was my favourite, lots of veggies, very delicious.
SECOND PLACE: WOOLWORTHS
Slow-cooked lamb shanks
Price: 1kg for R219.99
What our tasters said:
- Dale: Very few veggies, quite a loose sauce with quite a bit of oil, but meat and gravy delicious.
- Grant: Two good-looking shanks. Bit too oily but tastes delicious.
- Robyn: Delicious meat but gravy very thin and far too oily. Needs salt.
THIRD PLACE: CHECKERS
Lamb shanks slow-cooked in BBQ sauce
Price: 1.2kg for R209.99
What our tasters said:
- John: Not as tender as other samples, tastes average. For more flavour, could add more veggies like carrots and potatoes.
- Grant: Little aroma and not a great taste. Didn't taste much like lamb. No BBQ taste at all.
- Wynand: Appearance nice, aroma acceptable but I was disappointed with taste.