Grab your passports–the third annual Herbal Spring Symposium is going international! Join us for a day of botanical adventure, as we explore the herbs and spices of Indian, Italian, and Mexican cuisine. Three local chefs will inspire us with their personal tales and share how they use herbs and spices to honor their culinary heritage. Plus, we’ll take a deep dive into the International Herb of the Year: Turmeric. Come experience a wonderful array of worldly flavors and leave with the knowledge and understanding to continue exploring in your own kitchen!
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Thirjani Kantareddy - KT ‘s Rasoi Indian Cuisine
Steve Zieverink - Emma Hearth & Market
Olivia Benitez - Sabroso Mexican Food
Elaine Fletcher-Janzen - Herb Society of America, Michiana Unit
FEATURED PRESENTATIONS:
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Thirjani Kantareddy - Owner & Chef at KT ‘s Rasoi Indian Cuisine - St. Joseph, MI
Thrijani’s southern Indian food has been described as ‘tantalizing and unforgettable’. Her presentation will take us on a culinary tour that showcases the key spices and herbs used in her cooking, and highlights the regional differences in Indian cuisine.
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Steve Zieverink - Owner & Chef at Emma Hearth & Market - Bridgman, MI
Inspired by his grandmother, Nona Emma, Steve’s southern Italian menu integrates herbs and spices into seasonal farm offerings. Through stories, tastes, and banter, Steve will take us on a journey through his wild ways of growing, harvesting, cooking, and preserving the best of Italian herbs.
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Olivia Benitez - Owner & Chef at Sabroso Mexican Food - Benton Harbor, MI
Cooking since childhood, Olivia has a lifelong passion for creating outstanding Mexican dishes. After 17 years of professional cooking and training chefs, she now presents the Sabroso menu that celebrates spices and herbs from chocolate to chiles. Olivia invites everyone to taste the rich flavors of Mexico!
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Elaine Fletcher-Janzen - Chair Person of the Herb Society of America, Michiana Unit
Michelle McCoskey - Director of Education at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Elaine and Michelle will take you along as they dive into the fascinating world of Turmeric, the International Herb Society’s Herb of the Year. This powerful and vibrant spice and herb has been used for thousands of years. It is known for its therapeutic value in treating ailments such as inflammation, anxiety, kidney problems, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and has been used as a natural dye along with many other applications. Participants will learn about the medicinal, culinary, and cultural uses, and how to grow and cultivate this wonder. Handouts, recipes, and tastings will be provided.
ADMISSION INCLUDES:
Morning refreshments
4 herbal education sessions
An herb-forward lunch provided by The Grateful Pie Company at Fernwood
Herb seedling sale
Herbal Market and exhibitor hall
Tours of the Fernwood Herb and Sensory Garden
LUNCH OPTIONS:
This year, attendees have the option of ordering an herb-inspired lunch from The Grateful Pie Company or bringing a lunch from home to enjoy. A limited number of lunches will be available for purchase the day of the event, but preordering is highly encouraged. Membership discounts do not apply to lunch fees.
Audience: Teens-adults
Location: The Sims Education Center
Cost: $80 ($64 members) - Please register by April 8