A masterclass on natural meadow produce for trainee chefs at Saldus Technical College

To promote young professionals“ understanding of products derived from Latvia’s natural meadows, on 14 October, the Latvian Nature Fund, in collaboration with the ”Young Chefs’ Movement’ association, held a masterclass for first- and second-year trainee chefs at Saldus Technical College.

The day began with an educational seminar on Latvia’s natural meadows and their produce. This was followed by a short sprint competition with prizes. Next, representatives of the Young Chefs’ Movement spoke about their work, highlighting their participation in various festivals and other events, and inviting aspiring chefs to join and get involved.

The masterclass was led by experienced chefs – Edgars Ķiģelis, head chef at the “Whitehouse” restaurant in Riga, and Žanis-Raivo Behmanis, head chef at the “Kopa” restaurant in Kuldīga.

The masterclass on cooking used beef products from SIA “Rukši”, sourced from cattle reared on natural meadows, as well as several types of goat’s cheese from home producer Alise Zariņa. These producers manage natural meadows and their products are labelled with the “Natural Meadow Product” mark.

Masterclasses for aspiring chefs are organised as part of the EU LIFE-IP LatViaNature project, with the aim of supporting entrepreneurship in the sustainable management of natural grasslands.