Otago pie makers are feeling the heat this week, as the search begins for New Zealand's best pies.
Fifty of Otago's tastiest pies are in the running for the 2013 New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards, which started in Auckland yesterday.
The winners will be announced in Auckland on July 23.
A record 4500 pies from 505 bakers, including 38 Otago bakeries, have been entered in this year's awards.
Fruit dessert pies have won the past two competitions. A Kihikihi bakery's gingered peach, pear and Cointreau pie won the top prize last year.
''It's not about whether it's dessert or savoury; it's about whether the pie ticks all the boxes,'' head judge Tim Aspinall said yesterday.
''Is it the right size, the right shape? Does the pastry have an even mix and blend?
"Does it look like it will melt in your mouth?
"It needs to look delicious, but that's not all that matters.
"The pie needs to taste delicious at first bite, then the flavour should linger. It's a bit of a fine art.''
