Battle of the Breads- Sign up Here!

Back by Popular Demand, the Albuquerque Fermentation & Fungi Fest Returns! After an amazing debut last year, we're back and bigger than ever! Join us for the 2nd Annual Albuquerque Fermentation & Fungi Fest, hosted by the Downtown ABQ Arts & Cultural District. What’s New This Year? More fermentation & fungi demos: We’re doubling down on our love for fermentation and fungi with even more demos and fun facts about these incredible organisms! Expanded Vendor Market: We're inviting more local vendors from across New Mexico to join us this year to offer a wider selection and variety of the finest fermentation and fungi products. What's Returning: Battle of the Breads Competition Local eats and treats Fermented Beverages Fun DJ Join us as we continue to educate and inspire the public about the art and science of fermentation and the incredible world of fungi. Let’s make this year’s fest even more fantastic than the last! See you there, fermentation fans! 🍄🥖

Battle of the Breads is back! As part of the 2nd Annual ABQ Fermentation & Fungi Fest, join us for both a professional and amateur sourdough bread competition.

Professionals will be competing for first, second, and third place and the coveted Battle of the Breads bragging rights!

Amateurs will compete for first, second, and third place with prizes from professional bakers, festival goodies and more.

 

We accept submissions for plain sourdough breads or specialty breads (includes added ingreidents like nuts, cheese, oilves, etc.). You can select which entry you want in the applictaion. 

2024 Battle of the Breads: Rules and Application Requirements

Rules:

1. Eligibility

• Open to both amateur and professional bakers.
• Please clarify if amateur or professional baker.
• One entry per participant.

2. Entry Categories

• Plain Sourdough Loaf
• Specialty Sourdough Loaf (can include added ingredients like nuts, cheeses, olives, etc.)

3. Ingredients and Preparation

• All entries must be made from scratch and sourdough-based.
• A detailed ingredient list must accompany the entry form.
• No pre-packaged or store-bought dough.
• Must include a sourdough starter fermentation process.

4. Presentation

• Provide one loaf for judging and display.
• Present bread in a clean and visually appealing manner.
• Submit bread in a paper or canvas bag to preserve integrity.

5. Judging Criteria

• Taste: 40%
• Texture: 30%
• Appearance: 20%
• Creativity: 10%
• Bonus points for incorporating fermented or fungi ingredients (e.g., miso, koji, mushrooms).

6. Submission and Timeline

• Entries due by noon on October 20th.
• Deliver entries to the festival venue (FUSION).
• Judging at the ABQ Fermentation and Fungi Fest; winners announced at the event.

7. Prizes

• Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.
• "Best in Show" award for the highest-scoring bread overall.

Application Requirements:

1. Personal Information

• Full name
• Contact info (phone and email)
• Age
• How long you have been baking sourdough

2. Entry Information

• Entry category (Plain or Specialty Sourdough Loaf)
• Bread name
• Detailed ingredient list
• Copy of the recipe
• Short write-up about the bread, including unique techniques or ingredients

3. Agreement

• Agree to competition rules.
• Consent to photography and promotional use.

4. Entry Fee

• $5 non-refundable fee.

5. Submission

• Submit applications by October 18th via the Eventeny link.

Additional Information:

• Venue and Date: FUSION on October 20th from 12-5 PM.
• Contact: Kat Cannella, Program Manager – Events | 505.600.2672 | kat@abqmainstreet.org