Heat goes on chilli champs

Brew Craft Beer Pub's Calypso Childs tests out the chillies ahead of tomorrow's New Zealand Chilli Eating Champs heat. Photo / Stephen Parker

Tastebuds and intestinal fortitude will be put to the test at the Fire Dragon Chillies NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2015 heat in Rotorua.

Held at Brew Craft Beer Pub in Eat Streat tomorrow the competition will find out who can handle the heat to go through to national finals in July.

Bar manager Mel Rolfe said registrations were open and she expected an afternoon full of entertainment.

"We've had heaps of interest and people can register before the start if they want to," she said.

The contest is free to enter and registration forms are available at the bar.

"We will hold it outside, set up a little stage and will also be having chilli food available and possibly a chilli beer."

Among the rules of the competition, participants must be over 18, they must chew the chillies for 30 seconds before swallowing and consume it within the allocated time.

"You must be the last person not to go for a cooling beer or milk," the rules state.

Guidelines also recommended participants "drink lots of milk, yoghurt and ice cream" afterwards along with plain bread or rice. They were warned not to compete on an empty stomach.

Ms Rolfe said competitors will have to sign a waiver before entering.

"There has been a huge amount of interest so a lot of people will come down and watch. One of our chefs is going in it."

Tomorrow's event will start at 3pm. It is heat six in the competition. Prizes will be given out on the day.

Details
What: Fire Dragon Chillies NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2015.
Where: Brew - Craft Beer Pub, Eat Streat in Hinemoa St.
When: Tomorrow at 3pm.
Cost: Free entry and free to watch.