Tips for feeding summer produce to picky eaters from newsletter authors
8 reported
NPR interviewed Greta Caruso and Fanny Singer, authors of The Green Spoon Substack newsletter about feeding children, on how to encourage picky eaters to try summer produce. Caruso and Singer, who have been friends for over 20 years and had children within a month of each other in 2022, started the newsletter after struggling to feed their own kids despite being professional cooks. They found that many parents, including professional chefs, felt guilt and shame about what they feed their children and were hesitant to share their weekly menus due to fear of judgment. The newsletter includes food diaries from other parents, which Singer said helps readers feel less alone. Caruso noted that picky eating is a strong force with no cure-all, but suggested offering variety and a crudites platter with dips before dinner to reduce pressure. Singer said it can take up to 14 or 18 exposures to an ingredient before a child may decide to like it.
What’s reported
Greta Caruso and Fanny Singer write The Green Spoon, a Substack newsletter about feeding and cooking for children.
They have been friends for over 20 years and had children within a month of each other in 2022.
Both are professional cooks who found feeding their own children difficult despite their expertise.
They started the newsletter after hearing from other parents who felt guilt and shame about what they feed their kids.
The newsletter features food diaries from other parents, which Singer said readers enjoy.
Caruso recommended putting out a crudites platter with dips before dinner to reduce pressure on picky eaters.
Singer stated it can take up to 14 or 18 exposures to an ingredient before a child may decide to like it.
Caruso shared a recipe for "polenta pizza" made with polenta, fresh corn kernels, Parmesan, butter, salt, tomato paste, cannellini beans, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
Key figures
Greta Caruso: Co-author of The Green Spoon newsletter, professional cook, parent.
Fanny Singer: Co-author of The Green Spoon newsletter, professional cook, parent.
Ayesha Rascoe: NPR host who conducted the interview.
Sources: NPR
