Brioche infused with Earl Grey tea is UK's best loaf
It saw off competition from 200 other loaves to claim the top prize after impressing judges with its 'unique flavour profile'.
The loaf, featuring Earl Grey tea and limoncello -soaked candied lemon peel, was combined with lemon curd and juice to provide a 'zesty, aromatic finish'.
Its creator, Miyo Aoetsu, 55, said it had taken her 45 trial bakes before she created one worthy of entry to the competition, run by trade magazine British Baker.
'I was speechless when I won,' she told the BBC after winning both Britain's Best Loaf and the Innovation category. 'I was very happy, I was almost screaming on the stage.'
Ms Aoetsu said the limoncello gave the loaf a 'kick' but that the secret ingredient had been yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit.
'In the last few years in Japan, the combination of Earl Grey tea and citrus fruits like lemon has been really trendy so people make a lot of cakes and cookies with these,' she continued.
'So I started to think about making a bread with these combinations. I like the subtle aroma of tea when used in baking.'
It was the second time Ms Aoetsu had won the best loaf prize, after emerging victorious in 2023 with her green loaf flavoured with matcha, white chocolate and fruit.
She now runs Kuma-San Bakehouse from her home in Darley Dale, Derbyshire, having started baking as a hobby.
Ms Aoetsu moved to the UK to study at the University of Manchester before meeting her husband.
The prestigious award has not left Derbyshire after another baker in the county, 4 Eyes Bakery, based in Staveley, near Chesterfield, won with its garlic and rosemary deep pan focaccia creation last year.
'It's a great thing to keep the award here,' she added.'I know Tom [at 4 Eyes Bakery] who won it last year... he's an excellent baker and I'm glad this award remains in the county.
'To have it still in Derbyshire is a wonderful thing, because the quality of bread in this area is fantastic.'
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