The school year is in full swing and for many parents it begs the question of how to pack healthy, convenient and tasty lunches for their (often picky) children. Here are a handful of spice-friendly suggestions you can experiment with when preparing your kids’ packed lunches.
Applesauce additions
While none of these ideas necessarily require any special kitchen tools, I would still like to make a case for the electric coffee grinder. With an inexpensive grinder you can freshly grind herbs (air parts and relatively soft roots) into powder within a few seconds. Powdered spices lose their potency much more quickly, so purchasing pre-powdered spices can mean a significant loss of both flavor and nutritional value. A small $12 coffee grinder is one of my favorite tools. This allows me to add nourishing powders to all kinds of foods (think yogurt, drinks, pastries, soups). For applesauce, I like to add cinnamon and marshmallow root powder. For those unfamiliar with marshmallow root, it is mild in flavor, soothing and soothing to the intestines.
Skewers make eating fun
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano by sandwiching them between your little one’s favorite tomato variety and avocado chunks. Here too you can really get creative. Grapes? Cheese cubes? There is a lot of good ‘stablish’ food available.
Edible flowers
When it comes to edible flowers, my favorite is fresh nasturtium. Both the flowers and leaves are deliciously peppery and officially make any sandwich/salad/lunchbox 100% cooler. Violet flowers are another great option. Grow your own, learn to identify some local edible plants in your area, visit the local health food store or make friends with green fingers. Edible flowers add magic to any meal; they are worth it!
Herbal drinks
Elderflower lemonade, spearmint iced tea, hibiscus-tinged drinks – as you might guess, drinks are a great way to get creative with herbal ingredients. If sumac is native to your area, consider trying a lemon-free sumac lemonade recipe. (Not all sumac is suitable for consumption. Be sure to research which varieties are safe to harvest where you are.)
Sour patch kids
Okay, be patient with this one. I used to work in a children’s garden where the children discovered an incredible combination. It turns out that a small piece of stevia leaf wrapped in a sorrel leaf tastes like the plant-based version of a Sour Patch Kid (kids are great!). Sorrel and stevia are both relatively easy to grow, and wild sorrel is a common edible weed. Time to learn some plant identifications (for treats’ sake).
Flavonoid burst
For a delicious treat rich in antioxidants, try these flavonoid bursts. Combine dried rose hips and elderberries with tart cherry or blueberry juice and a little honey. You can also add chia seeds for extra binding and a bit of crunch. Form a consistency that can be rolled into balls – and voila! These spicy treats are rich in immune-supporting benefits and taste delicious.
Writer Amanda Proscino is a certified clinical herbalist and self-proclaimed part-time witch. She has a background in urban environmental youth work, a degree in public health and gender studies, and multiple certifications from the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. Amanda focuses most on accessible therapies, harm reduction techniques, and creative intentionality practices. She can often be found discussing herbs with customers at WishGarden, and can be reached at amanda.proscino@clinicalherbalism.com.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any products.
Read more