Exciting Science Cooking Workshop for Children Celebrates Children's Day with Pineapple Exploration

On May 5th, 2026, children's day, Farmind Inc., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, organized a fascinating event called "Changing Colors and Solidifying!? Elementary School Science Cooking Workshop." This interactive event utilized fresh, seasonal Taiwanese pineapples, aiming to address social issues such as declining fruit consumption among children and household food waste while encouraging families to learn together.

With a market share of 9.5% in Japan, Taiwanese pineapples served as an engaging subject for over 100 participants, including 51 pairs of children and their parents. Guided by a nutritionist, attendees explored the deliciousness and unique characteristics of Taiwanese pineapples through hands-on cooking and experimental activities.

Tackling Social Issues: Fruit Consumption Decline and Food Waste

Recent statistics indicate that children between the ages of 7 and 14 consume less than half of the recommended daily intake of fruit, averaging only 73.9 grams compared to the advised 200 grams. This disconnection from fruit consumption is a pressing concern that the event sought to address. Additionally, Japan faces a staggering annual loss of about 2.36 million tons of food waste, further underscoring the need for programs that foster awareness and appreciation for food among children.

Fruits like Taiwanese pineapples can spark enthusiasm for food through their rich aromas, distinct sweetness, and visual transformations. The event aimed to transform children's inquisitive "why?" questions into enlightening "aha!" moments, using hands-on experiences to emphasize the joy of food.

A Day of Discovery and Learning

On the day of the event, children donned lab coats, stepping into the roles of researchers. With guidance from a nutrition specialist, they engaged in a fun activity where they created a "magic drink" that changed colors by manipulating the acidity and pH levels of Taiwanese pineapples. They also conducted experiments to observe changes in milk, uncovering the fascinating science that emerges from everyday ingredients.

The children, equipped with test tubes, carefully navigated each step of the experiment, displaying serious concentration. It was heartwarming to observe them collaborating with their parents throughout the activities, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

After successfully completing their experiments, families enjoyed tasting the dishes they prepared together. Eager voices exclaimed praises like "It's sweet!" and "Delicious!" as smiles spread across the venue. This experience not only highlighted the delightful flavor of Taiwanese pineapples but also deepened understanding about the importance of consuming food sustainably, fostering a greater interest in culinary exploration.

Insights from Nutritionists and Participants

Nutritionist Saori Hirono, who supervised the recipes, shared, "The chance to communicate the nutritional benefits and delights of fruits directly to children was incredibly valuable. Seeing them engaged and excited about their experiments and developing an interest in fruits filled me with joy. I hope this experience sparked an enduring curiosity about food and fruits."

Post-event, participants expressed immense satisfaction in the surveys. Many parents shared their appreciation for the unique experiential learning opportunity, praising how their children could eagerly participate in cooking and science experiments that are not usually accessible in daily activities.

Highlights from Participant Feedback

- Parent's Comments:

- "My child was thoroughly engaged in the cooking class, especially the experimentation aspect! Mixing, cutting, and tasting was a exhilarating experience. It was their first time cutting pineapples and making cheese!"
- "This was both fun and educational. The vibrant appearance of the dishes made it a memorable family event. I would love to see more of these events in the future."
- "Understanding the journey of food to our table was insightful. I want to recreate the cheese from pineapple juice at home."
- "Combining cooking and science was an absolute blast; both child and parent had a fantastic time enjoying delicious creations!"

- Children's Comments:

- "I loved making and tasting my own food! I want to do this again!"
- "I was surprised that I could eat the core of the Taiwanese pineapple!"
- "The pineapple was sweet and delicious! I want to eat it at home!"
- "I learned where pineapples come from. I discovered so much about fruits!"
- "The experiments were fun, especially making the juice!"

Event Details

- Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday, Holiday)
- Time: Two sessions: 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM
- Location: Homemade Cooking Nihonbashi School, B1F Shin-Nihonbashi Building, 3-8-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
- Target: Elementary students and their guardians (Total of 51 pairs, 102 participants)
- Recipe Supervision: Nutritionist Saori Hirono

As we enter the sixth year of selling Taiwanese pineapples in Japan, we look forward to delivering fresh and delicious seasonal produce. Farmind continues to strengthen partnerships with Taiwanese producers, expanding the cold chain connecting Japan and Asia, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality fruits to all consumers.