A rugged fisherman collects his catch of cod from the cold, clean, clear waters of Norway - in the Lofoten area.

Joint first place winners of the Seafood from Norway Culinary Challenge 2009, Colin Hylton, Guilt Trip and Anthony Miller, Couples Swept Away Negril, left the island last Saturday April 18, for Norway, Europe, in fulfilment of the grand prize they received from the Culinary Challenge, held in February.

The chefs are part of a group led by Jean Lowrie-Chin, managing director of PROComm, the organiser of the Culinary Challenge and representatives of the Norwegian Seafood Export Council in Jamaica. Media representatives also travelling to Norway include Robert Lalah, assistant features editor, The Gleaner; Allia McDonald, producer, Smile Jamaica and Everald Harrow, videographer, TVJ.

The Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC), the official marketing council for the country's seafood industry, will host a week-long tour for the Jamaican media representatives and the champion chefs. Among the exciting activities lined up is their appearance on popular European television programme, 'A Perfect Day'. The show, broadcast in over 60 different countries, is one of the most popular food and travel television shows in the world.

Everyday activities

The contingent is now exploring the everyday activities involved in Norway's thriving seafood industry, including being educated on the characteristics and quality of the saltfish that Jamaicans consume and harvesting and manufacturing processes. They have also been sampling some of the restaurants in Norway.

Norway currently exports approximately 80 per cent of the saithe fish, popularly known as saltfish, to Jamaica. Svein Wara, marketing manager, NSEC, notes that Jamaica remains an important and growing market for Norwegian salted fish. "We are delighted to host the champion chefs and the Jamaican media and show them first hand the various processes involved," Mr. Wara added.

Other exciting and educational activities include a fishing and boat trip, a tour of an aquaculture and seafood farm, a saithe processing factory and a visit to Norway's Clipfish Museum. The Jamaican group is expected to return on Saturday.

Whale sushi with ginger sauce. - Contributed

Starter - grilled cod on crusty bread with scallion.

Cod stew - cod gently simmered in tomatoes, oregano and other spices served with fresh veggies. - Contributed photos