MARSH Butcheries in Stratford proudly clinched the prestigious title of Australia's finest traditional bone-in leg ham at the 2023 Charcuterie Excellence Awards.
This highly anticipated event saw more than 720 contenders vying for top honours and was open to all Australian smallgoods producers, spanning ten delectable categories such as bacon, ham, traditional salami, and more.
Paul Marsh, the fourth-generation owner, expressed his elation at having his family's craftsmanship acknowledged on a national stage and took immense pride in the rich heritage behind the Marsh brand.
For four generations, dating back to 1926, the family business has been perfecting the art of smoking meats. Paul’s father inaugurated the smokehouse while managing the business, then went on to build a stellar reputation for Marsh hams.
The award is clearly justified as the Marsh’s have devoted considerable time to refining the ham-cooking process; there are numerous meticulous steps involved in crafting the flawless ham. Creating a final product that their customers adore.
This year's accolades are not the first recognition for Marsh Butcheries, as they previously secured a silver medal for their rindless bacon and a gold medal for their beloved maple bacon.
Paul attributes this ongoing success to the unwavering commitment of his team to in-house production and rigorous quality control, two defining characteristics of Marsh Butcheries.
Paul explained the average day for him and his dedicated team often started as early as 5.00am. The smoking process employs a unique blend of various wood chips to achieve that distinctive flavour, and the curing process has undergone refinement over three decades. While there may be more affordable options on the market, Paul says they often “lack the passion and care we put into our products."
Marsh Butcheries proudly supplies local cafes, including Guyala Café on the Esplanade, Two Blocks at Holloways Beach, and Café Fresq in Port Douglas.
Paul explained that customers frequently visit the shop after enjoying our bacon at a cafe and want to buy some to have at home. He believes this support, along with the accolades, is incredibly gratifying for him and the team. “We're now in possession of one of the most coveted trophies a butcher could hope for – the title of Best Leg Ham in Australia."
As the holiday season approaches, Paul and the Marsh Butcheries team are gearing up to share their award-winning ham with Cairns locals seeking to savour delectable festive cuisine.
For more, visit https://marshbutcheries.com.au/
