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Introducing Parsley: Plant Food Explorers' Advice


Welcome, fellow parents and food enthusiasts! 🌿


Are you ready for a delightful journey of culinary exploration with your little ones? Today, we're thrilled to continue our new blog series - #PlantFoodExplorers! This is the second article in our series, where we will explore the world of parsley in greater depth.


Our goal with this series is to encourage children to try nutrient-rich plant foods that they may not have tried before. We'll be sharing exciting tips on introducing these forgotten gems into your daily meals and conversations with kids, aiming to educate and involve them in the process. So, let's get our green thumbs and creative minds ready as we embark on this flavorful adventure with our kiddos! 🌱🧒👩‍👦


Do your kids eat parsley? As part of our Plant Food Explorers series, we recently conducted a little experiment with our young eaters, and the results were fascinating! Only one of them liked the taste of parsley. But don't worry! We've gathered some incredible tips to help your kids embrace new flavors and enjoy the benefits of this vitamin-packed herb. Let's get started!



Tip #1: Grow Your Own Parsley


There's something magical about witnessing the journey from seed to harvest. Get your kids involved in gardening by growing parsley right at home!


Whether you have a garden with plenty of outdoor space or only a sunny windowsill to spare, growing parsley is an accessible and enjoyable activity. It's not only fun but also highly educational, fostering curiosity and responsibility in your kids as they nurture their very own parsley plant.

It encourages curiosity and may inspire your kids to try the tasty herb they helped grow!




Tip #2: Explain the Health Benefits



Kids are natural learners, so take a moment to share the amazing health benefits of parsley with them. Parsley, often seen as a simple garnish, is actually a nutritional powerhouse thanks to its high Vitamin A content.

Here's what health benefits it provides:

  1. Healthy Eyes;

  2. Radiant Skin and Healthy Hair;

  3. Strong Immune System;

  4. Strong Bones and Teeth. So, parsley isn't just a garnish; it's a nutritional superhero!




Tip #3: Play in the Kitchen!


Cooking can be a magical experience, especially for kids. Get them involved in simple kitchen tasks like washing, chopping, or even garnishing dishes with parsley. As they become part of the process, they'll feel a sense of accomplishment and be more open to trying their own culinary creations. Additionally, with herbs, it's always a good idea to put them chopped on the table at meals when eating soups, pasta, or any other dish, along with other herbs or greens kids like (e.g., green onions). Kids love to sprinkle everything on foods, and this allows them to customize their meals, making the experience even more enjoyable!



Fun Parsley Recipe: Pesto Pasta with a Parsley Twist and Green Peas




As our kids become more accustomed to the taste of parsley, it's time to put that green goodness to use! Try our delicious Pesto Pasta with a Parsley Twist, featuring the delightful addition of green peas. This plant-based recipe combines the goodness of parsley with familiar flavors to create a meal your kids will love.


Ingredients:


½ cup fresh parsley leaves

1 cup spinach leaves

½ cup basil leaves

1 - 2 cloves of garlic

1/4 cup pine nuts (or sunflower seeds for nut-free)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

Cooked pasta of your choice

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup cooked green peas (you can use frozen peas, thawed)



Instructions:


  1. Start by blending a mix of parsley, spinach, and basil to ease your kids into the flavor of parsley.

  2. Add the garlic and pine nuts (or sunflower seeds) to the blender and pulse until finely chopped.

  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until you get a smooth and vibrant pesto sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Cook your favorite pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.

  5. Toss the cooked pasta with the parsley pesto, reserved pasta water, cherry tomatoes, and green peas.

  6. Gradually increase the amount of parsley in the pesto as your kids grow accustomed to the taste, adding more green goodness to their plates.




There you have it - a delightful Pesto Pasta with a Parsley Twist and Green Peas! But remember, it's not just about the dish; it's about the journey. Why not try making this pasta recipe together with your kids as a fun exploration activity? No need to worry about including parsley, just encourage them to experiment and have fun! You can even start with just one leaf of parsley and let your little ones decide if they want to add more.


As you embark on this culinary adventure, share your experiences and tips with us using #plantfoodexplorers. Let's inspire each other to raise healthy, adventurous eaters who truly enjoy their food journey! Happy parsley adventures!

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