Launching #PlantFoodExplorers with Dandelion Greens

Are you up for an exciting adventure into the world of plant-based foods with your little ones?

We're super excited to introduce our brand-new series - #PlantFoodExplorers! Our aim is to introduce children to wholesome plant-based foods, expand their palates, and educate them about the many health benefits of these foods.

Today, we're starting our #PlantFoodExplorers series with a special focus on dandelion greens!

Getting to Know Dandelion Greens

Let's learn about dandelion greens, often seen as weeds in yards. What's cool is that dandelion greens are actually good to eat and are full of vitamin A. As you may already know, this vitamin is essential for our eyes, skin, and immune system.

Now, do you know any child who would willingly munch on dandelion greens? :) In our #PlantFoodExplorers series, we conducted a taste test with kids, and not surprisingly, none of them really enjoyed the flavor of dandelion greens. However, when incorporated into a smoothie, the kids absolutely loved it! You can watch the video on our Instagram to see how it went.

Even though kids might not want to eat plain dandelion greens, we're on a mission to find easy ways to make these nutrient-packed greens fun and yummy in your family meals.

Here are some tips!

Tip #1: Nature Adventure and Picking

Enhance your outdoor walking experience by turning it into an exciting scavenger hunt for nutritious and delicious dandelion greens. To get the best tasting dandelion greens with minimal bitterness, harvest them in the spring when they are very young.

Tip #2: The Power of Vitamin A

Explore the health benefits of Vitamin A together with kids! Talk about how it helps our eyes see clearly, supports our skin to stay healthy, and works like a shield for our bodies against diseases.

Tip #3: Enjoy Tasty Vitamin A Smoothie

Let's blend dandelion greens into a delicious Vitamin A Smoothie!

Ingredients:

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup frozen banana chunks

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup chopped dandelion greens (washed and no stems)

1 pitted date (for sweetness)

Instructions:

Put pineapple juice, frozen bananas, frozen mango, dandelion greens, and the date into a blender. Blend until everything becomes smooth and green. Adjust texture to your preferences. Pour into cups and enjoy this yummy and healthy smoothie together!

You can try different fruits or juices if you want - it's your smoothie adventure!

FREE Printable Fun!

To make your #PlantFoodExplorers experience even more exciting, we've prepared a FREE printable activity for you and your kids.

Inside, you'll find:

A Kid-Friendly Recipe Card for the Vitamin A Smoothie - Let your little ones lead in making the smoothie by following this easy recipe card.

A Coloring Page - Spark conversations about the benefits of vitamin A and teach your kids the cool things about dandelion greens while they have fun coloring.

Click HERE to get your FREE printable activity and start your #PlantFoodExplorers adventure!

This is just the beginning of our #PlantFoodExplorers series, where we're diving into the world of special and healthy plant foods.

Enjoy exploring the greens and have fun with the printable activities!