Community garden in Tutti Frutti Dorp: A Pesto Workshop

In collaboration with the gemeente of Amsterdam and Marja from Tutti Frutti Buurttuin, we recently organized a delightful pesto-making workshop right in the heart of our beautiful garden. This event wasn't just about creating a delicious sauce; it was a wonderful opportunity to explore the incredible herbs and vegetables that we often overlook!

Using Uncommon Plants

During the workshop, we focused on various plants and herbs available in the garden, many of which people don't typically use in their cooking. It's fascinating how nature provides us with a bounty of flavors, just waiting to be discovered. Participants were thrilled to learn about these unique ingredients and how they can transform a humble pesto into something truly special.

The Experience of Making Pesto

Each participant got hands-on experience in crafting their own pesto using a traditional mortar and pestle. The excitement was palpable as everyone mixed their chosen herbs, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. There was an air of creativity as they experimented with different combinations of ingredients, each one hoping to create a pesto that suited their individual tastes.

Once our pestos were ready, we gathered around to taste our culinary creations, dressing steaming pasta with our vibrant concoctions. It was amazing to see how each participant shared their pesto experiences, exchanging tips and stories of their gardening adventures. Some attendees even took the plunge by trying herbs they had never tasted before!

Celebrating the Power of Plants

The enthusiasm was infectious! Seeing everyone so engaged and excited about harnessing the power of the plants in our own backyard was truly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that remind us of the joy that comes from simple pleasures like cooking and sharing food together.

In a world where we often turn to supermarket shelves for our ingredients, this workshop was a refreshing reminder of the flavors that can be found right outside our doors. We discovered that by embracing local, homegrown plants, we not only support our community but also connect with the earth and our own culinary heritage.