The children were taught about vegetables and the nutrients they contain. They also visited a vegetable grower and prepared a dish under the guidance of a chef. The children were allowed to rate cauliflower, carrots, strawberries and mushrooms on a scale ranging from disgusting to delicious. Afterwards, it emerged that the participating children liked vegetables and fruit more than the children in the control group.
The researchers also discovered that increased knowledge does not automatically lead to healthier eating habits. Moreover, the newly developed taste preference disappears if no action is taken.
Van Schayck hopes that the Healthy Schools of the Future in the province of Limburg, now numbering around 30, as well as other schools, will use the research findings to improve their pupils' eating habits. However, the schools cannot do this alone: “The parents must be involved. And they are often conservative.”
Read here the article De Limburger wrote about the research.