Not So Alterno Cooking Classes

Cooking Classes Not Just For Alternos
Image courtesy of Teros Facebook
Foodies and environmentalists are more closely related than you might think.
The foodie trajectory often starts or ends with your own cooking. Foodies do ‘try this at home’, learn new techniques, and explore food culture and cultural food. Delving into global food production politics will have you immersed in locavore, organic and ethical food production before you know it.

The green lifestyle journey is not so different. Except their starting place is reducing harm to the planet and they end up foodies, moving from large supermarkets and manufacturers to local and self-production.

Marketing itself as ‘your shop for a healthier, greener and happier way of living’, Teros opened last October. They specialise in eco-friendly and fair trade products: modern cloth nappies, electric pushbikes, organic dog food, stone-ground organic flour, fresh local honey, yogurt making kits, dehydrators, biodegradable baking paper and cling wrap. If it’s green, you’ll probably find it there.
Image courtesy of Teros Facebook
Their success indicator is to make a measurable impact on reducing harm to the environment. The creative forces behind Teros are all motivated to help people live a sustainable green lifestyle. But it’s not just the products they sell. Trying to live differently can be daunting to the novice, so they also hold classes focused on sustainable food production.

Teros is making a contribution – providing local access to environmental products and opportunities to develop skills for a greener more active way of living.
Image courtesy of Teros Facebook

The Two Girls have participated in three of their classes so far: cheese making, raw chocolate and fermenting. There are others: bee keeping, fruit wine and raw food for example.

These are both old and new food techniques. Some techniques have lost popularity over generations or they are cultural practices you may not have been exposed to. Raw food is introducing a new approach to food – food not treated by heat, unrefined and processed, often gluten-free and Paleo. 
Image courtesy of Teros
The re/introduction of these techniques is also fueled by an interest in gut-health. Increasingly research is demonstrating our overall health is connected to intestinal wellness. This is food that’s good for you and the environment.

Each class is different because it is forged by the unique approach of each instructor. Some are more hands on than others. All are insightful. By far our favourite has been the fermenting class where we all got a cabbage, salt, spices, two jars, and made eastern European sauerkraut and Korean kimchi. The instructor brought with her a lovely mix of tradition, experience and pragmatism, and welcoming of other’s experiences.
Image courtesy of Teros
Their classes are as much for newbies as they are for old sea dogs. Along with The Two Girls who have keen to continue learning new cooking skills, for many participants, the techniques taught are old friends. Their input is invaluable with questions that come from experience. They come to learn what they haven’t mastered by trial and effort like the cheese maker of 10 years who attended a class to finally learn the elusive skill of rolling and stretching mozzarella. These practitioners of alternative food production also come because the classes provide a space for a community of interest. The Two Girls are right behind opportunities for these social networks to build. Community is the other contribution that Teros is making to Hobart and to sustainability overall.
My sauerkraut and kimchi
Teros is keen to get feedback and class scheduling is demand driven. If you’re interested in something in particular, let them know. They’re also interested in pursuing online and informal get togethers, so keep a watch on their developments if you’re interested.

Teros are located at 117 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
Find them on Facebook here
Their webpage has information on the courses here
They’re open Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm, Saturdays, 9.00 am until 4.00 pm and Sundays, 10.00 am until 2.00 pm.
Call them on 03 6292 0555 or email hello@teros.com.au

If you liked this post you might also like some of our other posts on community:
A look inside Hobart's Mosque
Flamenco Hobart-style
Saying Good Morning: A powerful way to connect as community by guest blogger Adele.


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