Experience a unique fermentation workshop at Cyherbia Botanical Park where herbs, food culture, and traditional fermentation techniques come together in nature.
Led by food anthropologist Eleni Michael, this hands-on workshop introduced visitors to the fascinating world of wild fermentation using fresh herbs harvested directly from the gardens at Cyherbia Botanical Park.
Participants learned how to make:
- Lavender sauerkraut
- Lavender honey wine (mead)
while exploring the traditional and cultural history of fermented foods and drinks.
What Is Wild Fermentation?
Fermentation is one of the oldest food preservation techniques in the world and has traditionally been used across many cultures to create foods rich in flavour and beneficial bacteria.
During the workshop, participants explored:
- The basics of wild fermentation
- Traditional fermentation methods
- Gut health and fermented foods
- Fermented herbs and wellness traditions
- The history of mead and fermented drinks
The experience began with a refreshing glass of chilled herbal tea before guests were guided through the botanical gardens to harvest fresh lavender for the workshop.
Lavender Honey Wine Workshop
Participants learned how to make their own lavender honey wine, also known as mead — one of the oldest fermented drinks in human history.
In Ancient Greece, mead was often referred to as the “nectar of the gods.”
During the workshop, guests:
- Learned the basics of fermentation
- Mixed their own lavender mead from scratch
- Took their homemade bottle home to ferment naturally over time
Lavender Sauerkraut Workshop
The second part of the workshop focused on making lavender sauerkraut.
Participants explored:
- Different fermentation traditions from around the world
- Kraut-style vegetable ferments
- How herbs can be added to fermentation recipes
- Hands-on sauerkraut preparation techniques
Each participant prepared their own lavender sauerkraut to take home.
Meet Eleni Michael
Eleni Michael is a food educator, curator, and public speaker from Cyprus with a background in hospitality, anthropology, and fermentation studies.
After working in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, she completed an MA in Anthropology of Food at SOAS University of London, specialising in fermentation research.
Eleni is also:
- A member of The Fermenters Guild UK
- A Food & Climate Shaper at the Future Food Institute
- Co-founder of Enalia Gallery in Larnaca
Workshop Details
Date: Sunday, 10 July 2022
Time: 16:00–18:00
Ticket Prices
- Workshop Ticket: €30 per person
- Admission:
- Adults (13+): €6
- Children (6–12): €3
- Under 5 years: Free
Herbal Workshops at Cyherbia
At Cyherbia Botanical Park, workshops combine herbs, nature, traditional knowledge, and hands-on experiences designed to reconnect visitors with plants, food culture, and sustainable living.
From fermentation and herbal medicine to essential oil distillation and natural cosmetics, Cyherbia workshops offer immersive experiences inspired by Mediterranean herbal traditions.