World Food Day / Spice Smell Detectives

Spice Smell Detectives

Children sniff mystery jars of spices and herbs used in kitchens around the world, guess what they are and match them to dishes and countries.

How to run it

Fill numbered jars with spices and herbs such as cinnamon, cumin, ginger, oregano, star anise, paprika and curry leaves.
Cover the jars with foil with a few holes poked in the top so children can smell but not see.
Children sniff each jar and record words for the smell and a guess.
Reveal each spice with a card showing dishes that use it, such as cumin in Indian dal or oregano in Greek salads.
Invite children to name spices used in their family's cooking.

Make it easier or harderYounger children can match a smell to a picture; older children can sort spices by the region they are most used in.

SafetySmelling only, not tasting; check allergy and asthma records and leave out mustard, sesame or chilli powders, which can irritate.

My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 1Children use their senses to investigate and connect smells to foods from many cultures, including their own.