Exploring Missions with your Senses: Smell/Taste

Many moons ago on the last Missions Monday post I shared some ways we can learn about missionaries using the sense of sight God has given us. Today I will explore missions using the senses of smell and taste. It may stretch your children (or you) to explore missions in this way but it will certainly take the experience to a new level.

When missionaries first enter a new culture the must adjust to more than their visual surroundings. On top of new sights comes new smells and tastes. To learn about missions in this way kids need just that, exposure to new smells and tastes. I'll start with the easy/simple and build up.

~Visit a local farmer's market. Many times farmer's markets have ethnic stands selling foods from other cultures. If you want to use your sense of smell, all you need to do is stand nearby. But to take the experience a little deeper ask for a sample or buy a new dish to share.

~Try a new fruit of veggie. This is another simple and practical way to expose your family to new things. It will give you a small "taste" of what missionaries experience in the field. If you family likes this begin trying a new fruit or veggie each week, but be careful, you may find some new favorite foods.

To extend this farther....

             -Research online how to choose and prepare the fruit or veggie.
             -Learn where the fruit or veggie is grown or eaten
             -Are there any special dishes made with the fruit/veggie?
             -Discuss the taste is it similar to anything else you have eaten?

Here are some suggestions to start with: Papaya, Plantain, Okra, Star Fruit, Sea Bean, Kumquat, 

                                                             Pummelo, Gai Lan

Now if you really want a challenge, plan to prepare a new and ethnically different food than you normally would. This could be a whole meal or just an afternoon snack. Generally desserts are fun to make and have a predictable taste (sweet). Below are a few links to international recipies.

Turkish Recipes:   http://www.kidsandcultures.com/uploads/6/0/9/2/6092250/turkish-recipes.pdf

Categorized by country:  http://www.world-recipes.info/

Variety of countries: http://www.kulturekids.org/fun/recipes/index.html
Scroll to the bottom of this page for the recipes:  http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/international-gourmet-recipes.html

Very Cool Site!!! Recipes written and illustrated by people around the world (just be careful some of the measurements are metric rather than U.S. customary) http://www.theydrawandcook.com/

Here are some kid friendly international cookbooks:

(You can find all of these on Amazon by clicking on the image or search your local library for additional resources.)

This book (above) is just one in the series. They also have easy desserts, lunches, vegetarian, and breakfasts.

   

I always love to hear from my readers, so please let me know what you try. Looking forward to sharing some yummy international recipes!