Cheese from a plant? Now that’s clever.

Tomatoes grow underground, cheese comes from plants and fish fingers are made of chicken.

Well, that is according to a large number of the 27,500 children who were recently surveyed by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

There were certainly a few gasps of horror here at Tasting Scotland’s HQ and we decided we needed to do something to tie in with 2013 being the Year of Natural Scotland and to help the BNF re-engage children with the origins of their food and the nutritional aspects of eating up their greens, or oranges or reds, for that matter.

The survey also reported that 21% of primary children and 18% of secondary school children had never been on a farm. Armed with the statistics we formulated a plan. Choose a day at the of June (30th) where the sun would have its best chance of making an appearance and have Tasting Scotland’s first Family Foodie 2 stop Self-drive Fun Day.

The day will start with a gentle coastal walk led by a resident forest ranger and a chance to gain an insight into what our forefathers ate from the shoreline. The children will search out their own culinary treasures and will be rewarded not in I’m a celebrity style fashion, but with healthy edible prizes!

Next is a visit to a farm for a range of activities including a tractor & trailer ride to the poly tunnels where a huge variety of fruits and vegetables grow as well as the chance to take part in a food tasting competition. 

Just like teatime should be a family occasion, seeing and learning about where our food comes from should be a fun, family experience too, and let’s hope that together we can help the current 34% of 5 – 8 year olds and 17% of 8 – 11 year olds understand that pasta does not come from animals!

Places are limited and bookings close soon on Saturday 29th June at 12 noon. Family tickets available.

E-mail us at info@tastingscotland.com or book online www.tastingscotland.com/events/