Vegetables – Selection and Preparation For Display

Vegetables are an important part of Alaska’s fairs. Experience in selecting and exhibiting vegetables will help you gain know-how and to achieve success with these products. Now is the time to start thinking about what vegetables you will be exhibiting at the fairs.

Good exhibits attract attention and stimulate interest in Alaska grown vegetables. The exhibit is a demonstration of achievement.

Remember-The judge must place your vegetables as they are when he sees them. Because of the long distances encountered in Alaska, and the time involved, the vegetables you select may look much different when they are judged. The judge can only place your exhibit according to its condition. In addition to producing a good product, an exhibitor must know how to select a “show” sample, how to prepare the sample, and how to show it to its best advantage.

General Rules:
1. Read the show rules carefully.
2. Follow the rules. If the exhibit calls for six specimens, do not enter five or seven. (It is best to take a least once extra specimen with you as a replacement in case of damage or loss.)
3. Decide ahead of time what you can exhibit.
4. If possible, get the perishable vegetables ready the same day the fair opens. The fresher they are, the better they will stand up before exhibit time will insure freshness.
5. Carry exhibits to the fair in a way that will protect them from bruises and preserve their garden freshness. Wrap tomatoes separately in paper and pack them loosely in a box which has excelsior or crumpled paper on the bottom. Wrap vegetables in wet burlap bags and keep them moist.
6. Be on time in making your entry. Leave home in plenty time, so that any short delay will not make you late.

It is important to select vegetables for show that are uniform in size, shape, and color, and are free from insect, disease, or mechanical injury.

To get detailed information on preparation, uniformity, quality and condition, size and quantity. Plus detailed information on a variety of vegetables for display stop by the Delta CES office to pick up a copy of “Vegetables – Selection and Preparation For Display” ($1.00). This publication will help you do a better job of selecting and exhibiting vegetables.