Dutch woman causes a stir by winning world porridge-making title

Dutch national Gina Saarberg secured the world title in the prestigious Golden Spurtle competition, held annually in Carrbridge, Scotland. At the age of 28, Saarberg from Zutphen, took home the top prize after a fierce competition against 30 contestants from 14 countries, including Norway and Australia. The judges, led by former Gleneagles chef Neil Mugg, selected Saarberg based on her exceptional porridge-making skills using the finest ingredients.

Saarberg's secret lies in the ingredients she uses, particularly pinhead oats from De Halm, a company based in Noord-Brabant, and water sourced from her hometown in Gelderland. She explained to BBC Scotland that the mineral content of the local water may contribute to the unique flavor of her porridge. Saarberg's journey to the world title began when she switched from rolled oats to oatmeal during her student days.

She found that the oatmeal created a creamier texture, reminiscent of rice pudding, which brought out the flavors in her porridge.

The competition, now in its 33rd year, allows participants to use only three ingredients: oats, water, and salt. However, there is a speciality category where oatmeal can be combined with more exotic ingredients. At the speciality award, Australian porridge champion Rob Reid claimed victory with his unique creation, porridge cannoli, inspired by his mixed Scottish and Sicilian heritage. Reid explained that the idea for his fusion dish came from his family background and that he had just 30 minutes to perfect the recipe.