Liepaja Technical College students learn about natural meadow products and their use in cooking

On October 28, the Latvian Nature Fund, together with the association "Jauno pavāru kustība" (Young Chefs Movement), held a master class for third-year chefs and pastry chefs at Liepāja Technical College to promote young professionals' understanding of products obtained from Latvia's natural meadows.

In the introductory part of the master class, students learned from the Latvian Nature Fund about natural meadows, how they are managed, and why their preservation is essential for Latvia's biodiversity. Representatives of the Young Chefs Movement shared their experience of using local products and a sustainable approach to cooking.

In the practical part of the event, students prepared a meal from natural meadow products in the technical school's training laboratory. Under the guidance of experienced chefs Roberts Ozoliņš from the upcoming bakery "ROBread" and Kristaps Lieldaudzietis from the restaurant "Goldingen Room," three delicious dishes were created: ravioli with goat cheese, beef cutlets, and crème de caramel made from goat milk for dessert.

The dishes were prepared using products sourced from farms that manage natural meadows: beef from SIA Rukši and goat cheese and milk from Dainis Erbss' farm Dāru kazu siers.

Masterclasses for aspiring chefs are organized as part of the EU LIFE-IP LatViaNature project with the aim of supporting entrepreneurship for sustainable natural grassland management.