Taste & Tell
Which supermarket's marinated pork rashers came tops in our taste test?
To help you braai the best, we rated rashers from four major retailers
Image: Christoph Hoffman
HOW WE CONDUCTED OUR TASTE TEST
It's free and fair!
We eat with our eyes, we all know that, but add branding and packaging and one's opinion of a product is often swayed before they've even tasted it. So to ensure our tastings are free and fair, all packaging is removed before products are presented to our panel of judges.
The products are also numbered and, if required, prepared exactly to package instructions. Food expert Jenny Kay is on hand in the kitchen to ensure fairness while this all happens.
Our judges are then asked to rate each product on a score-sheet according to appearance, aroma, taste — and whether they would buy it or not.
Auditor Jade Craig oversees the whole process, collates all the scores and draws up a report.
THE RESULTS
FIRST PLACE: PICK N PAY
Thick Cut Smoked Pork Rashers with Honey-flavoured Glaze
Price: R129.99 per kg
What the judges said:
- Chantel: Good texture, not dry. Good smokiness. Love the flavour. Could be caramelised, rashers a bit thick.
- Lynda: This tastes like pork, looks good and nice flavour.
- Brandon: I liked the taste, it doesn't resemble a pork rasher but enjoyed it.
- Kabelo: Good smokey flavour. Seasoning a little salty.
SECOND PLACE: CHECKERS
Braai & Brag Pork Rashers
Price: R136.99 per kg
What the judges said:
- Hofney: There's too much basting on it, though it is tender.
- Anna: Very sugary and bland. It needs salt.
- Caroline: Sweet tasting but nicely covered in marinade and evenly sliced.
- Craig: Flavour works well with the rasher.
Image: Justin Barlow
THIRD PLACE: SPAR
Honey Glazed Rashers
Price: R99.99 per kg
What the judges said:
- Sergio: Too sweet, but good texture.
- Chantel: Not dry, texture good but appearance doesn't reflect taste.
- Marina: I like the ginger flavour but it's a bit sweet.
- Siyabulela: Ginger overpowers pork flavour.
FOURTH PLACE: FOOD LOVER'S MARKET
Lekka Braai Pork Rashers Barbecue
Price: R89.99 per kg
What the judges said:
- Chantel: Not visually appealing. No "wow" factor in aroma and no aroma.
- Candice: Very light on flavour and thick rashers. Not particularly impressive.
- Marina: It's not a rasher, it's a steak and too sweet tasting.
- Kabelo: Has a bit of stickiness and slightly sweet.