The Agricultural Training Institute in Calabarzon promoted growing of herbs and spices to urban dwellers through its latest Agricultural Technologies through Internet (ATI) at Home series.

The Center partnered with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) – Quezon to showcase proper planting techniques and business opportunities in processing of various herbs and spices. Agricultural Technologist, Floriza Rustia introduced and explained the functions of herbs such as dill, oregano, tarragon, parsley and lemongrass. Additionally, her discussion on spices: cinnamon, garlic, rosemary, turmeric, vanilla and ginger, among others, centered on their nutritional value and health benefits.

Shortly after the lecture, Rustia demonstrated how to propagate lemongrass. She recommended using a mother tree that has healthy roots which will be thoroughly cleaned and planted in a seedling bag. When propagating turmeric, she stressed on using those with “buds” to ensure growth.

Meanwhile, Food Service Supervisor, Eleonor Zabella discussed ways on how to process herbs and spices, such as, dehydration/drying, extraction (mechanical, infusion & decoction). Lemon grass for example can be processed to juice, powdered lemon grass in bottle and in tea bag. Zabella also gave a sample costing for viewers who wish to engage in value-adding.

This ATI@Home, “Live Seminar on Herbs and Spices Gardening and Processing” is the sixth of ATI Calabarzon’s webinar series which first rolled out on April 8. The webinar peaked 664 live viewers on a closed Facebook group with a total of 998 members last May 29, 2020.

The Center continues to carry out its training services through online platforms. For more details on the upcoming ATIatHome series and other agriculture learning opportunities, follow the ATI Calabarzon’s Facebook page (@aticalabarzon).

With reports from: Daynon Kristoff Imperial