Madisonville North Hopkins High School took home first place in the inaugural Best School Garden Salsa Challenge at the Kentucky State Fair.
Eight schools participated in the event, with students learning lessons in gardening, teamwork, and food preparation while showcasing their creativity.
The contest invited schools across Kentucky to grow salsa ingredients in their school gardens, create original recipes, and present them for judging.
Beyond enjoying salsa, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell says the contest provides students with the skills to grow their own food, work together as a team and produce something delicious from it. He also congratulated the eight teams that competed.
Madisonville North Hopkins’ FFA members impressed with their recipe, Kernel and Comb Creation, which featured jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, sweet corn, bell peppers, honey from their school hives and cumin.
Shell, Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher made the final selections. As winners, Madisonville North Hopkins will receive a VIP visit during All in for Ag. Education Week this September.
The winning recipe
Kernel and Comb Creation
Roasted Sweet Corn Salsa with Honey Fresh
Serving Size: 4 cups
Ingredients:
● 4 ears fresh sweet corn (or 3 cups frozen, thawed)
● 1 Tbsp olive oil
● 1 red bell pepper, diced
● 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
● 1–2 jalapeños, seeded & finely diced
● 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)
● 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
● 2 Tbsp honey
● 2 Tbsp lime juice
● 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
● 1/2 tsp cumin
● 1 1/2 tsp salt
● 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cut kernels off cob. Roast corn on high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until charred.
2. Combine corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl.
3. Stir in honey, lime juice, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Serve warm. (optional) Chill for 30 minutes before serving.