This Berkshire Botanical Garden series covers history, lore, and practical know-how about some of life’s best indulgences. Learn about coffee, chocolate, beer and cider, how they have been used throughout history and are now celebrated in contemporary society. Consider the amazing artisan beer, cider, coffee and chocolate available in the Berkshires and learn tips and techniques from the experts for steeping, brewing, pressing and baking at home. Lectures will include demonstrations and participants will enjoy tasty samplings following the talks.
The first of the series is entitled Sweet Perfection – Chocolate from Seed to Sweet. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) known as chocolate, once considered only as a beverage, has a long delicious association with humans. Chocolate has been considered a delicacy for centuries, beginning with the pre-Columbian Mayan cultures, to the chocolatiers of Europe and is now ending as a mass produced commercial product of modern society. Learn about the natural history of this tropical plant, consider its culinary properties and learn about the art and craft of chocolate making from an expert. The talk will include some tasty samples. Instructor Joshua Needleman is creator and chocolatier of Chocolate Springs Café and has been fascinated with chocolate all of his life. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, has studied in France and had the opportunity to work at several prestigious establishments, including a stage with Maitre Chocolatier Michel Chaudun.
Then, on Thursday July 28, hear Beyond the Buzz … All About Coffee. Enjoy a stimulating program on the history of coffee, and learn about its remarkable journey from ancient Ethiopia to the latte shops of modern society. Consider caffeine, the natural stimulant found in coffee, derived from shrubs in the coffea genus and explore the many different coffees available today. Instructor Barth Anderson will explain sustainable, organic as well as fair trade; what they mean and why it’s important. Learn how to brew a great cup of coffee, how to discern a good coffee from a great one and enjoy a delicious sample of the Barrington Coffee Roasting Company summer menu. Barth Anderson co-founded Barrington Coffee Roasting Company in 1993. He is an environmental scientist by education, was drawn to coffee at the age of 14 and clearly hasn’t shaken it since.
Continue, on August 11, with Brewing Up a Storm: The Art & Science of Beer Making.  One of America’s most popular libations, beer, is enjoying a renaissance through artisan beers, microbreweries and home brewing. Join two brewmasters from The Barrington Brewery for an in-depth look at beer, beer making and the history and science of this popular drink! Learn about the essential ingredients of beer including the hops plant. This talk will cover the basic home brewing process, ingredients and equipment needed. Andrew Mankin is head brewer and co-owner of Barrington Brewery. He began as a home brewer twenty seven years ago and then completed an apprenticeship at the Vaux Brewery in Sunderland, England in 1989. Scott Craumer has been a home brewer for six years and is now a brewer at the Barrington Brewery.
Finally, on August 25, join John Vittori of Hilltop Orchard for The Big Squeeze: Making Apple Cider, Hard & Sweet, for a look at the art and science of making cider both sweet and hard. This lecture/demonstration will cover the history, culture and lore of cider making. Practical information will include selecting apple varieties, cider making techniques, timing, and preserving of both sweet and hard cider. Following a demonstration with a beautiful two-bucket cider press (courtesy of Denis Mareb at Windy Hill Farm), enjoy a tasting of this local sweet (or hard) drink. John Vittori has owned and operated Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery for the past twenty four years. His main interests are, sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, and land preservation.
To register for all four classes (BBG members $75, nonmembers $85), or for any individual class ($22), visit www.berkshirebotanical.org.
