My journey with food and plants led me to create a Japanese shiso syrup using local ingredients here in Leipzig, Germany. I applied for the Negroni Fund Scholarship by Slow Food International, which supports sustainable initiatives in the drinks sector, and was fortunate to be awarded the scholarship.

‍Slow Food – Negroni Week Fund Scholarships 2025

My cohort was mentored by Dany Childs, author of Slow Drinks, and focused on botanical slow drinks. Thanks to this support, I was invited to participate in Terra Madre Americas 2025 in Sacramento—a global Slow Food gathering that brings together producers, chefs, and activists working for a more sustainable and fair food system.

I had a wonderful time learning about slow food and drinks together with my cohort members.

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