Oranges and Lemons

Oranges and lemons don't grow easily in the UK, we just don't have the climate for them - give your children a geography lesson by showing them where you live on a world map, and explain in which countries citrus fruits grow well!

During the middle ages citrus fruits were rare and luxurious fruits.  They were valuable and used as a trading commodity.  In the 18th century lemons and later limes were discovered to prevent scurvy and became an important cargo on any exploration.

Buy some oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit and have your children discover the different fruits.  Citrus fruits are fun because of their vibrant and distinctive colours.  Study the shapes and sizes of the different fruit, have your little ones draw them and colour their pictures.

Cut little wedges of each fruit and have your children taste each - ask which they like and which they don't like.  You would expect them to find the lemon and lime to be particularly bitter, but young children may not find them as bitter as you probably do, they may even find they like them!

Here's a fantastic recipe for lemonade, perfect for sipping in the summer sun!  Your kids will love this and although it's loaded with sugar, it's very healthy and the occasional treat won't do any long term harm!

Explore other groups of foods, plants or anything else - themed 'projects' offer a great way for young children to learn about topics.