This week my friends, my kind young souls crafted edible cards for those in our community and schools who probably deserve a little more love and appreciation than they usually receive… Okay but first, ‘Jordyn, what do you mean by “edible” cards?’ Well, simply put, these cards are entirely plant based!
With a little research and tinkering around in the kitchen I realized I could quite easily make my own watercolor paint from fruits, veggies, and spices such as blueberries, beets, and turmeric (recipes found at bottom). Not only that but instead of using ordinary ol’ brushs I could utilize some produce that would have been bound for the compost.
After three months of introducing and expanding on so many topics such as plant parts, seasonal change, cycles, and composting with my students- often in a new light as compared to their traditional learning- I knew we needed to end our year with something a little more creative and engaging. Suddenly, it occurred to me, the kiddos could make cards for our local farmers, cafeteria staff, and Child Nutrition staff. But they wouldn’t be any ordinary cards. They would be edible to reflect all that we have learned thus far in 2015 while displaying that holiday cheer, thanks, and love.
Seeing the looks on the student’s faces from the time I introduced the lesson to them writing and painting their cards was priceless and it touched on so much we had learned. I could see how our time together has been resonating in their hearts and minds, while not only exposing them to trying new foods and gardening, but opening up their eyes to the true versatility food has within our lives.
I opened up the topic by asking students questions such as if they like food, who grows our food, have they painted, can we use food in ways besides eating, what food has pretty colors, written a card? They all have written cards, but most thought the only other use for food was composting (win!), when I threw out the, “Well, what if we could use food for creating art?” I could just see their eyes bulge out of their heads with excitement at what was going to come out of my mouth next.
When writing out their cards they often took the initiative to express their sincere thanks for individuals they may not have even met, but after engaging with the garden and cooking, they knew they’ve impacted their lives in such an immense manner.
After students completed their writing their cards they were able to progress to the painting station. I kept it simple and stuck to the three most vibrant colors (red, yellow, purple) of the six I initially tested with a variety of little veggie brushes, such as portobello mushroom caps, broccoli, parsnips, and okra, acquired through donations from Tidal Coop, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. I also set out sponges for students to tap their brushes out on before transferring to their card to stray from excessive seepage.
Some kids immediately began painting, excited to explore their new art medium. Others however, called me over, getting into a deep dialogue on what the vegetable paint brushes felt like, how the paint smelled, how the broccoli was different colors… They were tapping into their 5 senses, something we touch on in a majority of our lessons, without realizing (second win!).
In total I had six classes from two schools craft holiday cards for 24 local farmers as well as cafeteria and Child Nutrition staff. Giving them thanks for their tireless efforts in providing our community and youth with fresh, local food.
Painting with fruits and vegetables is like growing fruits and veggies, you never quite know what you are going to get but you are almost always surprised by the results.
Edible Paint Recipes
*One brew in my case was able to be used in 4 classes of roughly 20 students.
* Paint can be stored in refrigerator for up to one week.
*Paint doubles as wonderful dye for eggs, hint hint Easter!
Red:
o Bring 4 cups of water to a boil
o Chop 3 beets in 1 inch cubes, drop into water and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
o While simmering stir in 2 tbsp. white vinegar, stir
o Strain with sieve into container, cool, and begin painting!
Yellow:
o Bring 3 cups of water to a boil
o Once boiled measure 2 tbsp. of turmeric into water and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
o While simmering stir in 2 tbsp. white vinegar, stir
o Pour into container, cool, and begin painting!
o Due to this being a spice it will settle to the bottom when storing and will need to be stirred before use.
Green:
o Bring 4 cups of water to a boil
o Once boiled, measure 3 cups of spinach into pot and bring to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
o While simmering measure 2 tbsp. of white vinegar, stir
o I used a potato masher to squish some more color out while simmering
o Strain into container using sieve (I used the potato mashed to get any additional color out), cool, and begin painting!
Blue:
o Cut ½ of one medium red cabbage
o Bring 6 cups of water to a boil
o Once boiled drop red cabbage in and bring to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
o While simmering measure 2 tbsp. of white vinegar, stir
o If producing more of a purple color add a pinch of baking soda
o Strain using sieve into container, cool, and begin painting!
Purple:
o Bring 6 cups of water to a boil
o Once boiled, measure 1 cup of blueberries into pot and bring to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
o While simmering measure 2 tbsp. of white vinegar, stir
o Strain into container, cool, and begin painting!
For your paintbrushes reach out to your local grocers and see what they can donate, in my case I was able to obtain broccoli, okra, parsnips, and portobello mushrooms all for free! Depending on the season and availability you can also use apples, peppers, cucumbers, corn on the cob, cauliflower, and celery.
