First graders Finn Davis and Trey Jones show off the beautiful color of the butternut squash during the taste test!
Last Wednesday 1/11, WES students in grades 1-6 participated in their first taste test of the new year! Taste tests are now scheduled on a regular basis in the WES cafe, and will be held the second Wednesday of every month. After students settled into the lunch time rhythm, they were able to sample a puree of butternut squash with optional toppings of maple syrup, raisins, sour cream or cheddar cheese. The toppings provided an added boost to the already great flavor of the squash, however it also demonstrated the combinations students could choose at home when eating their own squash. After they tasted it, they went up to chart paper on the wall and recorded their decision, "I liked it!" or "No thank you." The majority of the students decided it was something they REALLY liked and wanted it as an option on the lunch menu. There were a few students that really didn't like it, which were honest opinions and some that were on the fence. Either way it was a successful taste test and students learned what a healthy food butternut squash can be. Children's taste buds are consistently changing so it is important not to take offense when a child doesn't like a food item. It takes many samplings of something before they can really decide if they like something or not!
What is planned for our February taste test? Well, it is a deep red/purplish in color.....can you guess.....yes, BEETS! Stay tuned for more taste test findings!
