Nurturing Young Palates: Future Foodies Celebrates Nutrition Week!
At Future Foodies, we believe that food is an adventure, a journey of flavours, textures, and possibilities. Nutrition is important, but our mission goes far beyond that. We’re here to inspire a lifelong love for food and help your little ones embrace a world of flavours. This Nutrition Week, we’re excited to share our passion for diverse, delicious, and nutritious eating with you.
The Nutritional Benefits of a Broader Menu
While traditional veggies like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes are staples in most households, it’s essential to introduce a broader menu to your child’s diet. Diverse fruits and vegetables offer a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for growing bodies.
Here’s why Future Foodies encourage variety – not only during Nutrition Week:
Celeriac:
This unassuming root vegetable is packed with fibre, vitamin K, and phosphorus. Its unique flavour adds depth to dishes and can be grated into coleslaws or mashed with some potatoes for a yummy creamy side.
Kohlrabi:
Rich in vitamin C and fibre, kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet taste. Sliced thin, it’s a fantastic addition to salads, or it can be roasted for a crunchy snack, crumbed and prepared like a schnitzel, or cooked and served in a bechamel sauce with a hint of nutmeg.
Parsnip:
These sweet, nutty-flavoured vegetables are high in vitamin C and fibre. Roast them with a drizzle of honey for a delightful side dish, or steam & mash them (try to pass them through a sieve as there might be harder bits in there from time to time) and give it a try as one of the first foods for your baby.
Custard Apple:
This exotic fruit is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Blend it into smoothies or simply scoop out the sweet, creamy flesh for a nutritious treat.
Jackfruit:
With a texture resembling pulled pork, jackfruit is rich in fibre and vitamin C. Use it in curries, sandwiches, or even as a pizza topping for a unique twist. Of course, the fruit is delicious, with its tropical taste, but you even can use the peeled seeds. Once cooked, they can be used like potatoes.
Developing Young Taste Buds
Children are naturally curious, and it’s the perfect time to introduce them to a world of flavours. At Future Foodies, we use a holistic approach to foster adventurous eating habits:
Herbs and Spices:
We expand young palates by introducing herbs and spices in a fun and approachable way. Children learn to appreciate the subtle complexities of different flavours.
Collaborative Menus:
Our experienced chefs actively involve children in menu development, taking their feedback to heart. When children have a say in their meals, they’re more likely to try new things.
Food as Part of the Curriculum:
We integrate food into play-based learning. Cooking and gardening activities provide a hands-on experience, making food exciting and educational.
Tips to Integrate New Fruits and Veggies
Looking to introduce new fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet? Try these tips:
- Smoothie Sensation: Blend unfamiliar fruits with familiar ones in a tasty smoothie. The sweetness of a banana can mask the taste of less common ingredients.
- Dip Delight: Offer a variety of colourful veggies with a tasty dip. Kids love to dip, and this makes veggies more appealing.
- Sneaky Additions: Grate or puree veggies into pasta sauces, soups, or even baked goods. It’s an excellent way to sneak in extra nutrients.
- Explore Together: Visit the local farmer’s market with your child. Let them pick out something new and exciting to try.
- Keep trying: At Future Foodies, we understand that introducing new foods can sometimes feel like a challenging adventure. It’s important to remember that children may need multiple tries before accepting a new food. Research suggests that it can take up to 10-15 exposures for a child to develop a preference for a previously unfamiliar food. Keep the exploration light-hearted, exciting, and full of positivity, and you’ll watch your little one flourish as an adventurous eater.
This Nutrition Week, let’s “Try for 5” and celebrate the magic of a diverse menu.
Each time your child tries something new, they’re building a relationship with that food. Every taste test is a step closer to expanding their palate and nourishing their curiosity. Encourage your little ones to explore the wonderful world of food and develop a love for flavours that will last a lifetime. Embrace variety, experiment with new ingredients, and savour the joy of discovery with Future Foodies!
