By Erica Garza

Wednesday kicks off the first workshop in the “Taste Education” series at the Maui Culinary Academy. Photo courtesy of Maui Culinary Academy.

On Wednesday, February 23^rd, the Maui Coffee Association will host the “Seed to Cup” workshop at the Maui Culinary Academy’s Class Act Restaurant, in conjunction with Slow Food Maui’s “Taste Education” series.

The evening will be devoted to understanding what goes into a great cup of coffee from seed to cup, including the growing, picking, processing, roasting and brewing. The workshop will be presented by Gerry Ross of Kupaʻa Farm and the Maui Coffee Association.

Other workshops in the series will include:

Wednesday, March 30 – Mixology class with Melissa Panzarini featuring Maui Vodka.

Wednesday, April 27 – Sorbet and gelato workshop with Melissa McKelvey of Penguini Gelato in Paia.

Wednesday, May 25 – Chocolate exploration with Melanie Boudar of Sweet Paradise Chocolatier.

Wednesday, June 29 – Discussion about organic, grass-fed beef on Maui with William Jacintho of Beef and Blooms, Hawaii’s first certified organic ranch.

Wednesday, July 27 – Field trip to Maui Brewing Co. where owner Garrett Marrero will give a tour and tasting.

Wednesday, August 31 – Fish workshop with Don Wakamatsu of Whole Foods Market, Maui.

Wednesday, September 28 – Poultry appreciation with retired Maui Culinary Academy Chef Instructor Bobby Santos.

Wednesday, October 26 – Dinner party planning with Ralph Giles and Daniel J. Southmayd, owners of Catering From Soup to Nuts.

The classes run from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Maui Culinary Academy’s Class Act Restaurant. Cost is $15 for a single class or $125 for the series of nine. Although walk-ins are welcome, reservations are encouraged. Please call 808-243-2290 for more information.