Fresh Thinking: Growing, Eating, Living Classes at 21 Acres

Seattle, WA, August 08, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Think Fresh and plan to learn new skills. 21 Acres is gearing up with a variety of affordable, educational offerings. Here’s what’s on the calendar in August and September:

"Pick and Prepare- A Local Farm-to-Table Adventure"; Experience farm to table firsthand during this three class series taking place on three Wednesday evenings: August 27th, September 3rd, and September 10th. Learn the what and why of farm-to-table; explore the organic farm; pick produce; bring it back to the commercial kitchen to make delicious creations under the guidance of the 21 Acres cooks.

"Classic Composting Strategies for Fall Clean-Up: Kitchen Composting 101"; This class, offered on Wednesday, August 27, 7-8:30 p.m., explores the benefits of composting at home, the basics of how it works, what makes “good” compost, and different approaches that can be adapted depending on the specific situation. The idea of worm bin composting (or vermicomposting) will be introduced, which will be taught more in depth in a separate class. Learn to get started composting. 21 Acres is pleased to offer this class to the community at no charge. Plan ahead for Kitchen Compost Troubleshooting on Thursday evening, September 18 (also no charge); Yard Waste Workshop, Saturday afternoon, October 4; and, Worm Bin Workshop, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 1.

"Yes You Can"; Extend summer throughout the year by learning how to can and preserve farm fresh produce. Take home two jars of produce and help can while learning how to do so in a safe and effective manner. Classes will feature the 21 Acres kitchen team and a Registered Dietitian to help understand how preserving foods can help nutrition through the winter. The class is offered the first Friday evening of the month beginning, September 5, and again on October 3.

"Start Right-How to Make Good Food for Growing Kids"; Participants will help prepare pureed baby food and learn about general, infant, and toddler specific food safety. Emphasis will be on what a growing child needs and how to use local, seasonal, organic foods to achieve that on a budget. Class is offered on the first Saturday afternoon of the month beginning on September 6, and again on October 4.

"My Local Pantry"; Learn how to make hummus, ricotta cheese, salad dressings, salsa, pesto, and other foods from Northwest ingredients. Cut back on waste, save money and learn how to stock a pantry without relying on the supermarket. Class is offered the second Thursday evening of the month beginning on September 11, and again on October 9.

If interested in taking a class, students may enroll and register one of three ways: 21acres.org/school; phone: 425-481-1500; or e-mail: deb@21acres.org. Class fees range from $10 to $60 per class. 21 Acres member discounts are available. As a special offer, all 21 Acres students receive a discount in the 21 Acres Farm Market the week after class.

The 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living is a nonprofit agricultural and environmental learning center show-casing the agricultural heritage of the region. The Center features sustainable design and technologies as well as ways to maximize the beneficial aspects of fresh local produce and farm products. Supporting the farm and school, 21 Acres features a retail market, commercial kitchen and special event rental space, all housed on the property and within the LEED Platinum Certified green building.