Grapefruit recipe contest: $5,000 prize

Home cooks, caterers, chefs, dietitians and others are invited to compete for cash in the first-ever Rio Star Grapefruit Recipe Challenge www.riostarchallenge.com sponsored by grapefruit producers from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Taste of the South magazine www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com is the exclusive media partner for the contest.

“The goal of the challenge is to increase awareness of a very special variety of grapefruit, the Rio Star, available in supermarkets from mid-October through May. We are challenging inventive cooks in the U.S. and Canada to submit nutritious, delicious and original Rio Star grapefruit recipe creations,” said Eleisha Ensign, executive director of TexaSweet Citrus Marketing, Inc. based in Mission, Texas.

Contest entry forms, rules and frequently asked questions may be found online at www.riostarchallenge.com. The contest begins October 15 and ends February 15, 2009. Winners will be notified no later than April 1, 2009.

There are three recipe categories in the contest – salad, main course and dessert – and two divisions – home cooks and professionals. Cash prizes of $500 each will be awarded for the best recipe in each category and division. A grand-prize winner from each division will be awarded an additional $1,000. Total prize money of $5,000 is allocated for the contest.

Texas grown citrus is recognized worldwide and is extensively distributed in holiday gift baskets and sold in retail outlets during the fall, winter, and early spring each year. Rio Star grapefruit is recognized for its deep red colored flesh and sweet taste. Information about Texas citrus is available at www.texasweet.com or info@texasweet.com.

Recipe entry forms and rules may be requested by writing to Texas Rio Star Grapefruit Challenge, 901 Business Park Drive, Ste. 100, Mission, Texas 78572. Please include a self-addressed-stamped envelope.