This Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the tastes of South Africa with a very special Cooking with Chefs: Heritage Class at the François Ferreira Academy in George. In collaboration with Cape Karoo International, this immersive culinary experience will highlight one of South Africa’s most unique and proudly local ingredients — ostrich meat.
The class will be led by Hermann Kruger, Head Chef at our very own Apprentice Restaurant, who will guide participants through preparing an unforgettable menu featuring:
- Ostrich fan fillet with a rich Boschendal red wine jus
- Tangy spekboom chutney
- Creamy biltong & mushroom risotto
- Traditional Hertzoggie tartlets
A Legacy of Championing Local Flavours
Our late founder, François Ferreira, affectionately known as the South African Food Evangelist, was an avid supporter, promoter, and user of ostrich meat. He passionately believed in showcasing the rich culinary heritage of our country by using ingredients grown and produced right here on our soil.
That legacy lives on at the François Ferreira Academy. When you study with us, you don’t just learn techniques — you experience authentic South African ingredients from the source and understand their cultural significance. It’s an education rooted in terroir, tradition, and pride.
Why Ostrich Meat Deserves the Spotlight
Beyond its rich heritage, ostrich meat offers remarkable health benefits that make it a smart choice for modern cooking:
- Lean and High in Protein — Ostrich meat is one of the leanest red meats available, with less than 3% fat and a protein content comparable to beef.
- Heart-Healthy — It’s lower in cholesterol and saturated fat than beef, pork, or lamb, making it a heart-friendly alternative.
- Rich in Iron and Nutrients — Packed with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, ostrich meat supports energy levels and overall vitality.
- Sustainably Farmed — Ostrich farming uses fewer natural resources than traditional livestock, contributing to more sustainable agriculture in the Karoo and Garden Route regions.
For these reasons, Chef François often said ostrich meat perfectly represents the future of South African cuisine — rooted in our heritage, yet mindful of health and sustainability.
Join Us in the Kitchen
This hands-on cooking class is more than a chance to sharpen your culinary skills — it’s an invitation to connect with our heritage, celebrate local flavours, and continue the legacy of the South African Food Evangelist.
Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Time: 09:00 – 14:00
Cost: R700 per person
Venue: François Ferreira Academy, George
To book via EFT
Call: 044 884 0765
WhatsApp: 071 611 9730
Email: sales@francoisferreira.com
Or buy your ticket online via Quicket:
Come learn, cook, and feast with us — and discover why ostrich truly is a taste of South Africa. For more information, visit Cape Karoo International at https://capekarooint.com/