VIRTUAL HERBALISM CONFERENCE - DAY 2
Old Ways, New Tables: Herbs in Culinary Traditions with Gaz Oakley
Join this conversation with Gaz Oakley where together we’ll explore how herbs have shaped the way humans prepare and share food—how they connect us to place, to lineage, and to the plants—and how Gaz draws on that inherited wisdom to innovate and create new flavors for today. Gaz, a pioneering plant-based chef and cookbook author known for his bold creativity and innovative approach to vegetables. In this session, we’ll look at where old meets new in the kitchen—and how herbs continue to be the bridge between nourishment, flavor, creativity, and culture.
Discussion Highlights:
- How traditional culinary practices influence cooking with herbs
- Ancestral food traditions using herbs for flavor and function that inspire modern cooking
- Adapting traditional recipes for contemporary tastes and plant-based approaches
- Herbs that transform flavor and nourishment in dishes
- Awareness of energetic or therapeutic qualities of herbs in recipe development
- Use of herbs in fermentation, preservation, or other traditional culinary methods
Gaz Oakley, a classically trained chef from Cardiff, Wales, developed a love for cooking early, inspired by his father. By 15, he was working in professional kitchens, honing his skills. After years in top restaurants and a sabbatical, health challenges led him to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, reigniting his culinary creativity. In 2016, he launched a YouTube channel, now with 1.6 million subscribers, filmed series in Wales, Mexico, and Jamaica, and wrote three best-selling cookbooks.
Immersed in organic gardening, permaculture, and animal care at his Welsh countryside homestead, Gaz develops seasonal, innovative recipes and shares the health benefits of reconnecting with nature. He plans to open a wellness retreat to teach growing, cooking, foraging, and plant-forward living.
About Gaz Oakley:
Find Gaz:
- on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gazoakley/
- at https://www.gazoakleychef.com/
- contributing to the Rooted Routines Course and Turmeric Speaker Film, exclusive upgrades in the 2026 Herbalism Conference VIP Pass Ticket!
7:00 PM EST: Cultivating Joy and Wonder: Herbal Wisdom and the Science of Feeling Good with Dr. Taryn Forrelli
NEXT WEBINAR:
Session Premieres Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 5:00 PM EST
After registering for the webinar, look for an email from webinars@theherbalacademy.com with the room link.
You can also join the Masterclass room when the session is live – or watch the replay – by clicking the
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Virtual Herbalism Conference: Live Access
OPENING CEREMONY: FEBRUARY 15
DAY 1: FEBRUARY 16
DAY 2: FEBRUARY 17
DAY 3: FEBRUARY 18
- 3:00 PM EST: Medicinal Mushrooms in Current and Traditional Healing Modalities with Jasper Degenaars
DAY 4: FEBRUARY 19
DAY 5: FEBRUARY 20
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