This week, CFBL’s canteen is marking Salt Awareness Week with a series of interactive activities designed to help pupils explore flavour in new and thoughtful ways.
Throughout the week, pupils will be invited to discover how herbs, spices, acidity and umami can all enhance food naturally, while encouraging healthier habits around seasoning. Each activity has been created by the chef to make the learning experience practical, engaging and closely connected to everyday eating.
The week begins with a Herb Smelling Station, where pupils can smell a range of fresh herbs including basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, coriander and chives, before trying to guess each one. This first activity encourages children to notice the natural aromas and flavours that herbs can bring to food.
As the week continues, pupils will explore a Spice Tasting Table, sampling spices such as paprika, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, mild chilli flakes and garlic powder with simple foods like bread and cucumber. They will be encouraged to describe flavours and reflect on how spices can reduce the need for extra salt.
A Vinegar and Citrus Flavour Activity will then invite pupils to compare plain foods with foods enhanced by lemon juice or vinegar, helping them understand how acidity can lift flavour. Later in the week, the Umami Boosters Station will introduce ingredients such as dried mushroom powder, sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, roasted onions and parmesan, showing how savoury depth can also help reduce reliance on salt.
To complete the experience, pupils will have the chance to take part in a Build Your Seasoning Station, where they can create their own signature blend using herbs, spices and lemon zest, and test their combinations with bread or lunch.
These activities are designed not only to make tasting fun, but also to help pupils think more carefully about the choices they make around food. Through small, hands-on experiences, Salt Awareness Week highlights an important message: flavour can come from many places, and learning to season smartly is part of learning to eat well.
With daily reminders such as “Taste food before adding salt” and “Flavour First, Salt Last”, the week offers a positive and memorable way to connect health, curiosity and enjoyment at mealtimes.