Ayurvedic Cooking Comes To Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — A former news producer turned foodie, Florence Swanstrom, is now teaching the art of Ayurvedic Cooking in Summit.

Swanstrom of Watchung had been working in the news industry for 30 years and wanted a change. She wanted to help others.

“After 30 years of adding to the national anxiety, I wanted to help atone and help people feel better,” Swanstrom told Patch. “I wanted a more positive use of my time.”

Swanstrom became involved in Ayurvedic Cooking about four years ago where she took several courses to learn about the method.

The 5,000 year-old system of healthcare uses food as medicine and daily routines to optimize the body’s health.

“It emphasizes freshness and purity of ingredients, the ‘balancing’ qualities of food, spices for digestion, and living with the rhythms of nature. Although it originated in India, it is not necessarily Indian food,” Swanstrom said.

It helps to balance the body and mind through different ingredients that tap into different elements such as air, fire and earth.

To help locals understand this type of cooking better, Swanstrom is offering a three-part introductory Ayurvedic Cooking series at The Connection in Summit, Saturdays, April 1, 8, 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Classes will include discussion and demonstration, with volunteer participation. Cost is $95 and must take all three classes. Limited to 12 students.

To register at The Connection call 908 273-4242 or email info@The ConnectionOnline.org.

For more information on Swanstrom visit BalancingKitchen.com.

(Images via provided)

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