Educational actions in childhood improve the perception of healthiness and sensory acceptance of sfiha with watercress presented in different packaging

The main objective of this research is to measure the effect of educational actions on the perception of healthiness and sensory acceptance of a food product, with and without the addition of watercress, packaging in different containers. The study was organized in three stages: the children evaluated the perception of healthiness and the sensory acceptance of two samples of sfiha, with and without the addition of watercress, in four different packaging, varying in color and information. Subsequently, theoretical and practical educational activities were conducted with the children, and, at the end, they evaluated the products again. The physicochemical composition of the sfihas was also investigated. In general, regardless of the packaging type, there was an increase in the perception of healthiness and acceptance of the product with and without watercress after the actions were carried out. The addition of the vegetable increased the moisture and ash content of the product. It is concluded that educational actions increase the perception of healthiness and sensory acceptance of sfiha, with or without watercress, presented in different packaging. In addition, the inclusion of watercress in the product improves its nutritional profile, which promotes healthier products for children.