A sirloin steak cut from an Angus cow in Hawera has been chosen as the tastiest steak in New Zealand.
The piece of meat won a $5,000 award and the 2016 Steak of Origin trophy for Taranaki couple Brendon and Hayley Robinson who farmed the cow.
The Steak of Origin sets out to find the best steaks in the country, as determined by a panel of expert chefs.
After an initial assessment of steaks by Carne Technologies in Cambridge, the steaks are tested for tenderness, acidity and marbling.
The steaks judged to be the most tender were then cooked to medium-rare and taste-tested by a judging panel.
The competition, which launched in 2002, recognises the achievements of beef farmers.
The best steaks in New Zealand
Best of breed (European): Jon Knauf, Wairoa (Simmental), processed at Land Meat Wanganui.
Best of breed (British): Angus and Forbes Cameron, Ashhurst (Angus), processed at Land Meat Wanganui.
Best of breed (crossover and “other”): Brendon and Hayley Robinson, Hawera (Angus X), processed at ANZCO Foods.
Best of brand (retail): Countdown North Island (CD Finest Angus), Ridgewood Farms (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors.
Best of brand (wholesale and food service): Countdown North Island (CD Finest Angus), Takapoto (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors.
Source: 2016 Steak of Origin results