How do you know you don't like it if you've never tried it?

That's been the refrain of generations of parents and at West Towson Elementary School on Tuesday, students could finally say they've tried spinach, broccoli, pears and other fresh fruits and vegetables at the West Towson Taste-Off.

"We're working very hard at West Towson to develop some habits at this young age, so students develop healthy choices," principal Susan Hershfeld said.

Platters of green beans, spinach, pears, broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, celery and oranges were donated by local grocers, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Giant and Trader Joe's.

Students in each class then marked off their favorites. Early Tuesday, pears emerged as a favorite, while spinach wasn't so lucky.

"Nobody spit out spinach," said event co-chair Susanna DeRocco, with a laugh.

DeRocco, a West Towson parent and nutritionist by trade, credits the West Towson teachers for emphasizing nutrition and fitness. Teachers lead a minute of dancing twice each day, including during announcements.

The school also hosts after-school fitness classes and events like "Fit Family Night" on Fridays, featuring demonstrations in things like karate, Zumba, yoga and hip-hop dancing.

"Everyone here is so carefully aware of kids and reading and writing and math, but also movement," DeRocco said.