Specialty Crops at School
Did you know you can find Minnesota grown specialty crops in your classroom and cafeteria?
Many Minnesota farmers work with schools so kids like you can taste and learn about food that’s grown nearby. Brand Farms near Farmington, MN grows apples for students to eat at school breakfast and lunch.
Brand Farms apples are also used for hands-on learning. Students can taste different kinds of apples and describe what makes each one special. Students can also discover how science is used to create new apples that are different sizes, colors, and have unique flavors.
Aaron Brand, the owner of Brand Farms, likes visiting schools. He tells students how he grows apples and even reads one of his favorite books about apples.
Aaron says, “Apples are fun. Apples are good for you. And having a good local apple at lunchtime will make your day.”
Apple Crisp Parfait
(4-6 servings)
- 1 lb Apples (2-3 apples) diced
- 1⁄2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Local maple syrup
- 4-8 oz Yogurt per parfait
- 1⁄4 cup Granola per parfait
- Preheat the oven to 400 F, Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry apples
- Dice apples to ¼ inch
- Toss apples with cinnamon and maple syrup
- Spread apples in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes at 400°F, mixing halfway through with a fork, until tender.
- Spoon yogurt into bowls, top with the roasted apples (warm or chilled), then top with granola. Add granola just before serving so it stays crunchy.
Do some investigating to see if you can find specialty crops in your school!
What Minnesota specialty crops are served in your school’s cafeteria?