Foraging Finds in Ventura County
As I wander our local trails during the summer, the air is heavy and thick with the volatile oils of aromatic herbs warmed by the afternoon heat. The delicate, tender greens and elusive mushrooms of s...
Healthy Learning
Ojai Herbal Symposium
Local wildcrafting herbalist chef Jess Starwood is bringing the flavors of wild plants to the culinary scene for their unique healing ability and gourmet potential while also making a positive impact on the environment. At the Ojai Herbal Symposium on November 16-18, she will give a presentation on "Wild Epicure: Infusing Local Flavors and Healing Herbs into Gourmet and Everyday Cuisine for Vibrant Health.”
This presentation introduces our local superfood plants while going beyond your typical “wild salad” and typical forager fare, including sauces, chocolates and desserts. When we understand how our food can be our medicine, we can truly interact in a multidimensional way with our environment, using wild and medicinal foods to improve our health and well-being. By sustainably and ethically incorporating our local environment into our cuisine, we create not only a truly local diet but discover new flavors, inspiring experiences, greater health and a lighter impact on our land, says Starwood.
Participants of the weekend-long symposium can also enjoy Jess’ botanical inspired Elixir Bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic herbal tonics and plant-based brews during the Saturday night Phytotherapeutic Phunk Dance. The Elixir Bar will be featuring locally distilled vodka, gin and brandy from Ventura Spirits.
The Ojai Herbal Symposium will feature respected authors, teachers and medical experts from across the spectrum of modern herbalism, integrative medicine, integrative pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and Chumash healing. Internationally recognized cannabinoid researcher Kevin Spelman, Ph.D., will present the keynote address.
Classes will be accessible to the professional and non-professional alike. The theme of the inaugural event is “Natural Resilience.” The Ojai Herbal Symposium is presented by Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer, offering herbal and native plant education since 1976.
For more info, vendor applications and registration, visit OjaiHerbalSymposium.org. Jess Starwood can be reached at sunravenherbs.com or on Instagram @sunravenherbs.
related reads
Foraging Finds in Ventura County
As I wander our local trails during the summer, the air is heavy and thick with the volatile oils of aromatic herbs...
Communities Near You
Related Stories & Recipes
