Super Powers

There's a whole cadre of scholars who missed out on the onion sets in Grandma's Garden.  Rillito Nursery sells rubber banded groups of scallions anchored by tiny bulbs.  They grow beautifully in the garden.  And, best of all, they are speedy producers of snacks.

Now, you would think that scallions would be too sharp a taste for little kids. But, properly presented, they have become the go-to veggie for Prince Scholars.

Pinching off a small piece of greenery is a simple task.  Getting the kids to put it in their mouths takes a little bit of convincing..... but I have a trick up my sleeve.

Did you know that this veggie has the ability to endow you with a super power?  

What super power, you ask?

Extreme bad breath!

Once they stop laughing, they can't get close enough to the treats.  A small bite, a chew or two, and then there's an explosion of HELLO's and HOW are you's.... the open mouths spreading that onion-y deliciousness and empowering the littlest ones.

A first grade class stopped on their way to class to share the joy.  The teacher had as much fun as I did. Some of the big kids remembered the super power, others needed some convincing, but everyone ended up feeling as if their mouths were the source of hilarity.

The stevia growing in the vegetable bed was an easier sell.  It's extraordinarily sweet, just like the little paper packets you find on upscale restaurant tables.  The scholar gardeners were delighted, and so was I.

I had children eating unfamiliar foods, and coming back for more.  I count that a big win.