Back to the Roots: A Journey Through FAA’s Mediterranean Herbs Lecture Series.
Introduction:
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) recently wrapped up its inspiring four-part lecture series, “Back to the Roots – Mediterranean Herbs in the 21st Century.” Held from July 11 to August 2 at the beautiful Valletta Design Cluster, the series was a deep dive into the history, science, and practical uses of Mediterranean herbs.
The series was expertly coordinated by Green Projects Coordinator Ifeanyi Clement and meticulously planned by Events Manager Emma Morgan, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to celebrate the rich heritage of these incredible plants.
Lecture 1: The use of Herbal medicine in the treatment of fright jaundice
The series kicked off with a captivating talk by ethnobiologist Timothy J. Tabone. His lecture, titled “The use of Herbal medicine in the treatment of fright jaundice,” explored how traditional Maltese healers used locally grown herbs to treat this culturally specific ailment. Tabone’s presentation highlighted the importance of preserving this indigenous knowledge, reminding us of the cultural heritage woven into these traditional remedies and their enduring value.
Lecture 2: A Taste of Wellness: Cooking with Maltese Herbs
The second lecture, presented by Dr. Karen Mugliett, a lecturer and author, was titled “A Taste of Wellness: Cooking with Maltese Herbs.” This session explored the cultural, culinary, and health benefits of using herbs in Maltese cooking. The lecture concluded with a practical demonstration in the kitchen, where Dr. Mugliett showed attendees how to prepare a vibrant, healthy pesto using local herbs. The participants then had the pleasure of enjoying the freshly made pesto, making for a truly memorable and interactive experience.
Lecture 3: Growing Herbs: A Guide to Cultivating Flavour and Wellness
For those inspired to get their hands dirty, the third lecture was a practical and informative session by botanist Dr. Claudette Gambin, a Principal Scientific Officer at Ambjent Malta. Her talk, titled “Growing Herbs: A Guide to Cultivating Flavour and Wellness,” offered expert guidance on selecting, planting, and caring for herbs suited to Malta’s hot, dry climate. Dr. Gambin provided essential tips on soil preparation, sunlight requirements, and proper watering techniques, empowering participants to grow a healthy, sustainable herb garden in any space.
Lecture 4: Growing Kitchen Herbs Organically in Malta: Understanding Soils, Challenges and Living Solutions
The final lecture was delivered by Thomas Grima and Adam Barton, the co-founders of TerraSoil. Their lecture, titled “Growing Kitchen Herbs Organically in Malta: Understanding Soils, Challenges and Living Solutions,” provided valuable insights into the unique challenges of organic gardening in Malta. The duo explored the basics of living soil, the specific needs of popular herbs like basil, rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme, and demonstrated how soil health directly impacts a plant’s flavor and vitality. This practical session empowered participants to cultivate healthy, flavorful herbs at home.
Conclusion:
The “Back to the Roots” lecture series was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work of Ifeanyi Clement, Emma Morgan, and everyone at FAA. We are also grateful for the support of Project Green in making this event possible. The series was more than just a collection of talks; it was a celebration of nature, culture, and community.