Hortgro, South African fruit growers, are calling young UK chefs to submit a main course that showcases the South African stone fruit. 

Six finalists will experience a masterclass at London’s High Timber before competing in the cook-off final. The final requires young chefs to cook their main course along with a starter or a desert from a mystery box. 

The winner will travel to Franschhoek, South Africa and join celebrity chef Reuben Riffel and John Norris-Rogers head chef at La Petite Colombe for a week’s split stage. 

The competition winner will be fully involved in the running of the two ‘award-winning’ restaurants whilst gaining a better understanding of how each operation works. 

2019 competition winner, Nikoleta Theofylakitdou, said: “When I found out about the competition I knew I wanted to take part, because South African cuisine isn’t something I’ve experienced. 

“I learnt so much about how ethical and high quality the country’s produce is, as well as developing my knowledge of new flavours and techniques.”

The South African Young Chef of the Year competition aims to promote the use of South African fruits. The closing date for applications is 18 February 2020. 

For more information on the competition or to download an entry pack, visit: http://beautifulcountrybeautifulfruit.com/cook-south-africa/.