Vegetable carvers from around the world are taking part in the first European Carving Championships being held within the GÄSTE 2011 Trade Fair for the Restaurant, Hotel and Catering Business, in Leipzig, Germany.
The three-day championships, which comes to an end today, include an individual competition which is further divided into three categories: individual, cocktail and platter set and composition, and a team competition which has only one category: the live carving competition.
In the latter competition, participants have four hours to use their imagination and creativity to carve in front of the jury’s eyes. Each participant is provided with a basket containing melons, giant papayas, kohlrabi, cucumbers, radishes, Chinese cabbages and carrots. Participants may bring their own pumpkin too.
The art of vegetable carving originated in China but has acquired numerous followers in Europe in recent years.
In future, the competition will be staged every two years at alternating venues.