Exciting Blueberry Taste Test

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• Your tasting can be as simple as blueberries alone or a new blueberry recipe under consideration for menus.

• If using blueberries alone, you can use your local fresh blueberries or USDA Foods frozen blueberries. Fresh or frozen, thawed or unthawed, your little blue dynamos will burst with flavor!

• If testing a new blueberry menu item, pick two or three recipes you are considering for a taste test. Poll students, administrators and teachers asking them which they would like to sample. The school community will take a greater interest if they are part of the planning process.

BlueberriesInSchools.com

• It’s all in the name. Research shows that using fun and attractive recipe titles increases kids’ consumption. So why not turn standard yogurt cups into “little blue dynamos parfaits,” or blueberry granola bars into “blue booster snack bars.” To spread excitement, involve a group of students to think creatively for fun ways to menu blueberries.

• Invite a local blueberry grower to participate in the taste test and educate students about the story of blueberries from farm to fork. How do blueberries grow? How do you pick blueberries?

• Invite your district’s chef to host a live cooking demo featuring one of your blueberry recipes. Show your students how fun and easy it can be to cook new and nutritious food.

• Whip up a large batch of Saucy Blueberries. Then create a DIY blueberry condiment bar featuring a few variations of the blueberry sauce, from spicy to sweet to fruity. Students can pair their center-of-the-plate item with their flavor of choice. Chicken nuggets with Blueberry BBQ Sauce, anyone?

• Feature blueberries in a “Harvest of the Month” promotion for a month filled with blueberry fun. From taste test competitions, classroom activities and farm tour visits, your students will have so much fun celebrating all that little blue dynamos have to offer. For resources, download USHBC’s Kid Activities for more fun to have in the classroom or cafeteria.

• Turn an everyday taste test into a “bluetiful” display! From blue balloons to fun posters, an exciting presentation will draw more students in.

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2A taste test is a fun activity to encourage students to try blueberries in new ways. By showing your students that new foods can be delicious and nutritious, you can instill healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.

A taste test is also a great opportunity for your staff to explore a range of blueberry menu items and gauge student response. Students enjoy knowing that their input matters. Plus, reluctant students may be encouraged to eat a new blueberry dish if it received rave reviews from classmates. Win-win!

Tips Before You StartBe sure to check safety regulations in food handling, food allergies and hand washing.

Simply Blueberries vs. Blueberry Recipe

Make It Exciting

How to Encourage Students to Try New Foods in New Ways

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BlueberriesInSchools.com

Promotion is key to drum up excitement. Start a taste test countdown the week leading up to the taste test. The countdown could be a mix of:

• A calendar posted in or just outside the cafeteria. Place a big blueberry sticker over each day as you count down the days to the taste test.

• Morning announcement reminders.

• Menu teasers to excite students’ appetites.

• Use your school’s social media platforms to generate excitement. Ask your followers to share their favorite way to eat blueberries online.

• Send parents an automated school message reminding them about the upcoming taste test and the importance of healthy eating in school and at home.

Keep parents in the loop. Notify them through the school’s newsletter, monthly menu updates, social media or website. Be sure to extend the invite, too! The support and excitement of parents, teachers and admin can encourage students to participate as well.

3 4Spread the Word Gather Feedback

• Share a simple survey or paper “ballots” with taste testers to vote “yes” or “no” on their tasting experience. You can also use poster board or large paper divided into sections where students can vote: “loved them,” “undecided” or “no thanks.”

• Remember to share the results with the school community via the school’s website, social media or newsletters. They’ll take pride in knowing they had a part in a new menu item.

• Thank your student taste-testers by giving away small prizes, such as blueberry stickers or body art. Or randomly select a lucky taste tester to win a fun blueberry-inspired prize. The more incentive, the more participation!

Stain RemedyWe love blueberry’s bright purple color, but not on clothes. Here’s an easy fix…

1. Flush stain with cool water.

2. Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon liquid laundry detergent + 1 quart cool water.

3. Soak the stain in solution for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Looking for some new, healthy blueberry menu ideas for your taste tests?

Check out the School Recipes section on the USHBC website. You’ll find lots of delicious, kid-friendly recipes for use in schools.