Back to school: umami foods can help keep children’s lunchboxes more colorful and balanced

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Learn how to make delicious cheese bread and tasty potato blinis

São Paulo, February 2023 – With children returning to school, parents face the challenge of making kids’ snacks more attractive and balanced. Adopting good eating habits in the family routine is one of the ways to ensure that children also choose more balanced options. Another way to bring children closer to food is to invite them to participate in snack planning, dish preparation, and packing their lunchboxes.

Umami Committee nutritionist – the organization responsible for spreading awareness of the fifth taste in Brazil – Marilia Zagato emphasizes that introducing new tastes to children, especially during early childhood, can contribute to the adoption of a more balanced diet. “When a child becomes familiar with varied tastes, they get used to a wide diversity of ingredients and eat better,” explains Marilia.

Encouraging the consumption of foods that provide umami taste, such as cheese, tomato, corn, and carrot, can support children’s food acceptance. “These foods easily combine with ingredients rich in other tastes, in addition to being visually attractive. Eating should be a tasty moment that appeals to children, which is why it is important to pack a colorful and varied lunchbox,” adds the nutritionist.

Want to know how to include umami foods in children’s lunchboxes? Check out two delicious recipes chosen by the specialist: tasty cheese bread and delicious potato blinis. Enjoy!

CRISPY CHEESE BREAD
(Preparation time: 30 minutes + 20 minutes baking)
Serves: 42 units

Créditos: Comitê Umami

Ingredients:

• 4 cups tapioca starch (400 g)
• 1 and a half cups milk (300 ml)
• half cup oil (100 ml)
• 1 egg (50 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
• half cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• 1 cup grated Minas standard cheese (100 g)
  

Directions

1. In a large bowl, place the tapioca starch and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, place the milk and oil, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Transfer to the bowl with the starch and mix well with a spoon.
4. Let the dough cool slightly and knead with your hands until lukewarm. Add the egg and incorporate it into the dough. Add the salt and cheeses, and continue mixing until you have a smooth and homogeneous dough.
5. Shape small balls and place them on a greased baking tray. Bake in a preheated medium oven (180°C/350°F) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

POTATO BLINIS
(Preparation time: 40 minutes)
Serves: 5 portions

Créditos: Comitê Umami

Ingredients:

• 2 small asterix potatoes, diced (300 g)
• 8 tablespoons wheat flour (80 g)
• 5 tablespoons heavy cream (75 ml)
• 2 eggs (100 g)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
  

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, place the potato, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes or until the potato is tender.
2. Remove from the heat, drain, and transfer to a bowl. Mash with a fork and add the wheat flour and cream, mixing until it reaches the consistency of a purée.
3. Add the eggs, salt, and pepper, and mix again until you get a homogeneous batter.
4. Grease a small nonstick skillet with oil and heat over medium heat. Spread a small portion of batter, shaping it like a mini pancake.
5. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until firm and golden on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. Serve with spreads or as a base for canapés.

UMAMI
It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in the year 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste on the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two main characteristics of umami are increased salivation and the continuity of taste for a few minutes after food ingestion. To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.