Blueberry spinach baby food recipe
Apple Blueberry And Spinach Baby Food Recipe – Little Mashies
Why is blueberry a great baby food choice for reusable food pouches?
This is an all time favourite mix with babies right around the world. We have mums email us all the time giving their tick of approval of this puree... At Little Mashies HQ we absolutely love blueberries! When you give your baby blueberries you are feeding them with one of earths most delicious superfoods. Blueberries are rich in nutrients, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Spinach also provides lots of benefits: it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and thanks to a wealth of vitamin K it is great for bone health too. Babies love sweet things so we add apple here for some prebiotic fibre and a little bit of sweetness.
Ingredients:
1 cup apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup spinach, stems chopped
(Use coupon code RECIPE for 100% off Baby Food Recipe Book)
Instructions:
Step 1: Steam the diced apples for about 8 minutes and then add the blueberries and spinach to cook for a further 5 minutes.
Step 2: Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender such as the Baby Bullet system or Beaba Baby Cook.
Step 3: If preparing your baby food recipe in bulk freeze the Apple, Blueberry and Spinach puree into ice-cube trays or spoon it straight into Little Mashies reusable food pouches and then store them in the fridge or freezer. For instructions on how to fill a refillable pouch you can read our blog
Step 4: Label and date your homemade pouches so that you know when to use the puree by. There is a space on the back of the Little Mashies yoghurt and baby food pouches so that you can write all the details.
Step 5: To clean your reusable food pouches you can check out our Little Mashies video here.
Here is a selection of recipes from our bestselling Baby Food Recipe Book (see video flick through here). Right now, you can use the coupon code RECIPE to remove 100% of the price of the digital version (save $19.
95). Simply add it to cart, apply the code, and pop in your details as though you were a paying customer. We only ask that if you have time after using our book could you please leave us a review. Thanks so much in advance!
Baby Led Weaning and Toddler Ideas
Baby Led Weaning Food Size 6mths
For baby led weaning you skip the baby food puree altogether and start at 6mths with large (2 finger sized) pieces of the food. In this Little Mashies recipe you would serve finger shaped pieces of apple to your baby, it's actually easier just to give your baby a peeled apple, cut in half (and baked or steamed). With blueberries in baby led weaning you squash them so they are flat but I'm still hesitant about this because blueberries and all other small round things are such a high risk of choking. Instead I would just puree the blueberries and spinach and use it as a dipping sauce for the apple fingers. We would of course do this on our Little Mashies sucky platter! So from 6-9mths of age foods should be the size of about 2 fingers so that the baby can pick it up and self feed.
Baby Led Weaning Food Size 9mths
From around 9mths with baby led weaning you chop the food very small (to avoid choking). I'm trying to think what is a universal thing that people from all countries would know.. maybe say the size of 2 grains of rice. It's a small piece so if they swallow it whole they wont choke. In traditional baby food recipes this is the stage that you mash food so it has a little texture.
Baby Led Weaning 12mths and Toddler Food Ideas
At around 12mths of age in baby led weaning it goes up to bite sizes (and this is the same in non baby led weaning kids), about finger nail sized pieces. I'd feel fine about giving squashed blueberries at this age. Around 18mths you can offer your little one larger serves again (so a whole apple for example) so that they can learn to take smaller bites themselves, to chew, and to swallow.
Little Mashies reusable yoghurt and baby food pouch reviews
Easy and wholesome food!
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I hate the idea of buying the sugar filled snacks in pouches.
I love being able to put my own yoghurts, purees and custards into the Little Mashies. My little one asks for them all the time now; her faces lights up when she sees the little green man. Super easy to use and clean. I love them and tell all my friends to buy some. Great value for money.
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I bought this recently and find it a great product. I love the large opening that helps with filling all different textures from puree to rough mash. Our baby loves to self-feed and this cuts down on the mess when she feeds with a spoon or hands. Surprisingly easy to clean too.
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Wow... This product has made my mealtimes so much easier... No more fighing ...as soon as my little boy sees the Green Mashies he gets so excited.. Highly recommend.. Excellent quality and safe to use in lunch boxes.
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Simply add it to the cart, pop in the coupon code, and it will remove 100% of the price.
At 6 mths of age you can introduce a range of puree's to your baby (see our baby food recipe book and use coupon code RECIPE to remove 100% of the price at the checkout).
For baby led weaning you skip the baby food puree altogether and start with large (2 finger sized) pieces of the food. We would of course do this on our Little Mashies sucky platter! So from 6-9mths of age in baby led weaning foods should be the size of about 2 fingers so that the baby can pick it up and self feed. They also need to be well cooked so they are soft, and with no loose pieces (for example tiny florets that can break off on broccoli, or a slice of apple that's so thin it can break when gnawed on).
From around 9mths with baby led weaning you chop the food very small (to avoid choking). I would suggest 2-4 grains of rice in size. It's a small piece so that if they swallow it whole they won't choke. In traditional baby food recipes this is the stage where we mash food so it has a little texture.
At around 12mths of age in baby led weaning the food goes up to bite sizes (and this is the same in non baby led weaning kids), about fingernail sized pieces. Of course some babies will be on a different timeline depending on whether they have heaps or a few teeth.
Every baby is different and you just have to watch carefully and get to know how your baby is with food. Never leave them alone whilst eating, and I also recommend sitting them at a table with you for all meals if you can. It helps set the expectation for later in life and you can be a role model for how to eat well. Around 18mths you can offer your little one larger serves again (so a whole apple for example) so that they can learn to take smaller bites themselves, to chew, and to swallow.
It is widely recognised that babies should start solids around 6 months of age. At this time reusable baby food pouches can be really convenient to take your homemade healthy puree with you when you are out and about. Spoon attachments are available so you can feed your baby directly from the pouch from 6 months old. Without a spoon attachment babies usually start feeding themselves pouched food around 8 months old. This is when they hit their independant phase and what to do everything themselves. A pouch is a lot cleaner than a bowl and spoon in these circumstances. We do however advise that you give your baby a variety of meals, not just ones that are in a refillable pouch.
Refilling your reusable yoghurt pouches is easy! Simply turn the reusable food pouch upside down and open the wide double ziplock at the bottom of the pouch. Once the zipper is open you can spoon yoghurt into the pouch or pour it in (out of a jug or bottle).
If you are concerned about making a mess you can use a kitchen funnel so that all of the yoghurt stays away from the yoghurt pouch zipper.
Another idea that we commonly do at home when filming videos (but it would also be useful when holding a baby in one arm), anyway.. the idea is that you put the pouch upside down in a glass (with the lid on), open the ziplock and the glass acts like a second hand, holding the pouch still whilst you spoon the yoghurt in. This is what I do when I only have one hand to use for the refill!I also tend to refill my reusable yoghurt pouches in bulk. I'll buy a good quality yoghurt from Coles or Woolworths and will fill a whole 10pk of pouches in one go so they are all ready for snacks on the go.
My kids always want to eat when they are out and refilling the reusable pouches one at a time just doesn't work for us. The only time i do that actually is when I've pureed a meal that my toddler refused, put it in a reusable pouch, and given it to her again. Oh and the other time I do singles.. there are two actually. When we go for ice-cream (it is so much cleaner when in a pouch), and when I have leftover smoothie (again, it stops me getting smoothie all through my car, pram, or playroom).
Little Mashies refillable yoghurt pouches are compatible with pouch filling machines that are on the market. Our spout is universal so even though we don't think you need a filling machine, our reusable pouches will fit. All of our yoghurt and baby food pouches come with anti-choke lids as standard.
Cleaning reusable baby food pouches is easy! We have designed Little Mashies refillable yoghurt pouches without corners so there are no places for food to get stuck (we would hate your little one to get sick from old food stuck in corners)!
When you open the ziplock you can see all the way through the pouch to ensure it is clean. If you have a dishwasher you can clean the pouch using that, otherwise you can wash your reusable baby food pouches by hand and this takes around 20 seconds. Little Mashies squeeze pouches are BPA Free and are safe to wash with warm water.
If you need some meal ideas for your refillable pouch you can find home made yoghurt here, baby food recipes here, and pouch smoothie recipes here.
Now, to clean your Little Mashies food pouches by hand simply open up the ziplock at the bottom and take off the cap. Run warm water through the open ziplock with the baby pouch facing downward so the water comes out of the spout and into the sink. The shape of Little Mashies reusable pouches acts like a funnel, pushing out food and making the pouch very easy to clean.
To start washing your reusable pouch, squirt some dishwashing liquid into the refillable pouch, then use a baby bottle brush to clean the inside walls (just like a baby bottle). To clean the spout use a straw brush (like the ones we have here), and clean it in the same manner that you would clean the teat from a baby’s bottle. Give the reusable pouch a rinse and place it over a kitchen utensil in the drying rack to dry. If you don’t have time to dry it fully place it in the freezer until you are ready to use it again. Do not put wet reusable food pouches in dark cupboards or draws. They are very easy to dry if you have removed the cap, and placed something inside the zipper to keep the pouch open (we use a whisk, tongs or a spatula).
Note that if you continuously wash your pouches in the dishwasher the high temperature will make the zipper wear out more quickly. At home we wash our pouches mostly by hand because it is so quick and easy and then just use the dishwasher when we have had loads of kids over and served reusable yoghurt pouches or smoothies to them all.
Oh and while I remember if you use the code RECIPE at the checkout it will remove 100% off the price of the baby food recipe ebook so you can get some inspiration for your refillable pouches.
Some parents start introducing a sippy cup or straw cup to their babies around 6 mths of age. This can make it easier to transition from breastmilk or bottle feeding around 12 mths of age. Most paediatricians recommend babies 18 mths or older use an open sippy cup rather than a bottle, so anytime before then is fine. This is why we have a 4 in 1 sippy cup, so that you don't have to purchase seperate products as your baby moves through the stages of learning how to swallow and drink.
To shop the Little Mashies silicone sippy cup, check out our baby feeding range here.
All of our baby food recipes are contained within our ebook. You can get a free download by using the coupon code RECIPE at the checkout. Simply add it to the cart, pop in the coupon code, and it will remove 100% of the price.
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2-Minute Blueberry Puree for Babies (No Cooking Needed!)
byAmy Palanjian
Updated
Jump to RecipeThis post may contain affiliate links.
If you shop from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Transform fresh or frozen blueberries into a super smooth and flavorful Blueberry Puree for babies, toddlers, and parents to enjoy—all without cooking! Plus: Super simple tips for freezing portions for future use.
Blueberry Puree
Packed with antioxidants and fiber, blueberries are a wonderful food for babies and toddlers—and they are so easy to turn into a simple blueberry puree that doesn’t even require cooking. And: You can make this with fresh or frozen berries, which means that it’s a budget-friendly homemade baby food recipe to make all year long!
TIP: I’ve never had an issue with this not tasting sweet enough, but you will want to use berries that taste good when you sample them.
Ingredients You Need
To make this easy baby food you just need blueberries and water. You can use fresh or frozen berries, depending on the time of year and what you find available in your supermarket.
You will also need a blender to be able to make this super smooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this baby recipe.
- Add the berries to your blender.
- Blend until very smooth, adding enough liquid to make it easy for the blender to work.
- Store in the fridge or freezer.
TIP: If you want to make this with frozen berries, you’ll need to thaw them first. See the Notes section of the recipe at the bottom for details.
How to Serve Blueberry Puree
You can serve this baby food as is or mix into yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie. You can also serve slightly warmed as a sauce for pancakes or waffles for older babies and toddlers (or parents!) and you can mix it with another puree—such as mango or peach or butternut squash—as desired.
How to Freeze Blueberry Puree
To freeze baby food, portion puree into an ice cube tray and freeze for 4-6 hours or until frozen.
Transfer to a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months. To thaw from frozen, place a cube into an airtight container and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge. Freezing some of your batch is a great way to keep it fresh and have easy meals or meal components ready and waiting.
TIP: Find my best information on storing baby food here.
Tips for Making the Best Blueberry Puree
- To do this with frozen blueberries, thaw completely first at room temperature or warm for about a minute in the microwave.
- If the blender has a hard time blending the fruit totally smooth, increase the amount of blueberries to 2 cups.
- To freeze, portion puree into an ice cube tray and freeze for 4-6 hours or until frozen. Transfer to a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months.
- To thaw from frozen, place a cube into an airtight container and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Blueberry puree will firm up a little as it sits, so simply stir it before serving.
- Serve as is or mix into yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie. You can also serve slightly warmed as a sauce for pancakes or waffles.
- Mix it with another puree as desired. Try it with Sweet Potato Puree, Baby Rice Cereal, or Mango Puree.
- See more of my favorite baby food combinations here.
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe, so please comment below to share feedback!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Author Amy Palanjian
Cuisine American
Course Baby Food
Calories 14kcal
Servings 6
- ▢ 1 cup blueberries
- ▢ 1/4-1/2 cup water
Add blueberries to a blender.
Add ¼ cup water and blend, adding more water as desired to make a thin puree.
Serve or store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
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Silicone Ice Cube Tray
Reusable Pouch
- To do this with frozen blueberries, thaw completely first at room temperature or warm for about a minute in the microwave.
- If the blender has a hard time blending the fruit totally smooth, increase the amount of blueberries to 2 cups.
- To freeze, portion puree into an ice cube tray and freeze for 4-6 hours or until frozen. Transfer to a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months.
- To thaw from frozen, place a cube into an airtight container and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Blueberry puree will firm up a little as it sits, so simply stir it before serving.
- Serve as is or mix into yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie. You can also serve slightly warmed as a sauce for pancakes or waffles.
Calories: 14kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 19mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 13IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!
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Spinach soup recipe for kids
What is the best food for a baby? Yes, the same as for adults.
As soon as the milk period ends, fruits and vegetables come to the fore. If there is no allergy to citrus fruits, oranges and tangerines are an excellent source of vitamin C. Bananas, grapes, apricots, peaches are very nutritious, so be careful with them if the child is chubby. Apples and pears are the easiest to digest for humans. Therefore, complementary foods usually begin with them. Plums, blueberries, lingonberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi are good for children. But allergies, allergies! Thank God, not everyone. Therefore, let's be more careful with the new product, a little bit at a time. nine0003 Zucchini are good for baby food. In the recipe for children's squash soup-puree , pay attention to the originality of the design. And the advice is to change this very design every day. From the exotic, try cooking children's avocado soup . Well, the classic potato soup with a little semolina is also very good for baby food.
Carrots and beets are frequent guests on the table of our kids. What about turnips and rutabagas? Our, domestic, useful vegetables. Up to a year and a half - it is necessary to cook. And then you can try it raw in a salad. nine0003 How many fruits and vegetables to give children? From a year to 3 years - 100 g of berries and fruits, 200 g of vegetables, including boiled ones.
Fresh vegetables are also needed. Cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes will help the intestines and protect against many diseases.
From a year and a half in the soup it is good to give wild garlic, a protector from bad cholesterol. From two years old, you can chop a fresh leaf into a salad. Dill and parsley are loved by everyone for a reason. Lots of vitamins. And already from 8 months they are added to soups. Boiled rhubarb is also given from eight months. Shchi with sorrel is given after a year. Spinach is also very healthy for babies. Prevents rickets, they say. Introduce complementary foods at 8 months.
Because of the high amount of oxalic acid, do not give spinach to children more than 2 times a week. But there is a lot of vitamin E in spinach. nine0014
Number of servings: 1
Calorie content: Medium-calorie
calories in one portion: 310 kcal
To prepare children's puree soup, you will need:
Potatoes-100 g
Water-1 st.
spinach - 50 g
onion - 5 g
butter - 1 tsp.
cream - 3-4 tbsp.
egg (yolk) - 1 pc.
salt to taste
How to make baby spinach soup.
1. Peel and boil potatoes. Boil in salted boiling water. Potatoes can be cut into quarters - it's faster. After 7 minutes, put the washed spinach and peeled and chopped onion.
2. As soon as the potatoes are soft, drain the water but do not throw it away.
3. Hard boil the egg, remove the yolk. Put it in a saucepan with potatoes and spinach. Add butter and cream there. Gradually add the broth and beat the soup with a blender.
4. Bring soup to a boil, but do not boil. nine0014
Bon appetit to your children!
The material belongs to the site 1001eda.com
The author of the recipe Lyubov Svirina
The recipe was published on 12/09/2014
Lyubov Svirina has published 1075 recipes!
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Spinach for children - Encyclopedia Baby food
Levchuk Viktoriya©Children don't always like spinach. It is a green leafy vegetable that can taste bitter. Bitter is not sweet! Therefore, children often sabotage spinach in complementary foods. Consider at what age can you give spinach to children? How to get to know him so that the children fall in love with him?
What is spinach?
Contents:
Spinach is a vegetable with green leaves.
It is a rich source of vitamins A and C and the mineral iron. The scientific name for spinach is Spinacia oleracea. nine0014
Spinach is widely grown throughout the world. It requires cool weather and rich, moist soil to grow. Spinach is one of the few vegetables that can survive a light frost.
spinachSpinach is an annual plant. This means that only grows one season and needs to be repotted every year. People grow it to eat only the leaves. Spinach leaves can be either smooth or wrinkled. They are roughly triangular in shape. The leaves are collected in a ring called a rosette. nine0014
Spinach is sold fresh, canned and frozen. People eat it as a green salad or as a boiled vegetable. It can also be used to make soups and sauces.
Spinach - is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K1, vitamin C, folic acid, iron and calcium.
History of spinach
spinach crop Spinach is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and its surrounding areas.
The edible domesticated greens were thought to have originated from selective propagation of wild leafy species , but much of the history of spinach is unknown.
In time, spinach spread to neighboring countries around Persia, traveling through India, and was introduced to Nepal and China sometime before 647 AD. It was also introduced to Italy around 827 AD. through the Arabs, and by the 10th century, the plant was found throughout the Mediterranean. In the 13th and 16th centuries, it was widely grown throughout Europe, creating new domesticated varieties, and the greens became a favorite ingredient of the nobility and royalty.
Spinach gained great prestige when Catherine de Medici took the throne of France in 1547. Originally from Florence, she ordered the court cooks to add spinach to each of her dishes. nine0014 spinach nutrition
Spinach was also introduced to the New World and was found in home gardens in the United States by the 19th century. Spinach is grown all over the world today.
In the 1930s, the appearance of the cartoon character Popeye, a comic book hero who eats spinach to acquire superhuman qualities, gave a new impetus to the vegetable with its wide green leaves. In the United States, at least, its consumption has skyrocketed as the growers of the green have erected a monument to it in Christy City, a Texas town that lives mostly off its sale. nine0014
In Russia, spinach is less popular, it began to be eaten around the middle of the 18th century in aristocratic houses. From the middle of the 19th century, it became accessible to the middle class.
Benefits of spinach in baby food
spinach for childrenSpinach is a rich and varied nutritional composition. Water accounts for 91.4%, fiber - 3.6%, protein - 2.9%.
Spinach also contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, K, folic acid, iron, calcium, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, etc. nine0014
Considered one of the world's most important vegetables, its nutrient content is very high.
Juicy and tender leafy greens are rich in vitamins, minerals and volatile substances. They provide the body with powerful antioxidant protection.
It is rich in calcium and is an excellent substitute for animal dairy products. Instead of fighting oxidative stress, spinach helps the body fight inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer (especially prostate cancer).
Unlike other vegetables that contain phytonutrients, researchers have found over a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that help prevent inflammation and cancer, making it an ideal food for children and teens.
Thanks to the above vitamins and minerals, the leafy vegetable is known as a superfood. When consumed, spinach will bring maximum health benefits to children.
Spinach vitamins
spinach for childrenSpinach is a source of three important vitamins, namely vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin K.
This vegetable is rich in vitamin A, which has a number of important functions for good health.
The key functions of vitamin A are to strengthen vision and the immune system, improve skin condition, and increase iron absorption capacity.
Folic acid traditionally associated with women's health and pregnancy. In addition, folic acid is needed by the body in many other processes. Just as vitamin A is essential for the functioning of the immune system, and iron plays an important role in counteracting fatigue, folic acid contributes to the amino acid structure. Therefore, folic acid is needed to be able to produce protein and build muscle. nine0014
Spinach contains vitamin K. This vitamin plays a very important role in our blood's ability to clot. Vitamin K also helps build strong bones, and more than just calcium is needed for bone health!
It is also worth talking about vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is also found in spinach. This vitamin is important for the formation of collagen, which strengthens blood vessels, skin, teeth, and bone structure.
Vitamin C helps absorb iron from food and is important for protecting cells from free radicals, meaning that it protects fat-soluble vitamins and other fats in the body from oxidation. nine0014
Minerals in spinach
spinach for childrenSpinach is an important source of calcium. It is well known that calcium is a mineral that basically strengthens and maintains skeletal strength throughout life. However, the mineral also plays a fundamental role in the growth of muscles and the nervous system. Like vitamin K, calcium is important for blood cells and blood clotting.
What about iron? Of course, spinach - an excellent additional source of iron, but it does not cover all daily requirements for this mineral.
Recommendations for introducing spinach to children vary widely. Some pediatricians say it's OK to introduce spinach at 6-7 months of age, while others advise waiting until 8 or even 10 months. As an example, American pediatricians recommend after 6 months, Russian doctors - after 7-8 months.
I think it's best to delay introducing the product until 12-18 months , with 12 months being the earliest age to introduce spinach. nine0014
Studies have shown that nitrate levels in spinach can increase if stored incorrectly. Another reason why spinach is not usually recommended as an early complementary food for children is that it is difficult for a child's body to absorb the iron and calcium it contains.
Spinach complementary foods Infographics - CLICK ON ME!!!
The oxalates in these greens also interfere with the baby's absorption of calcium from breast milk when given together.
Thus, it is possible to give spinach to children not too often about 1-2 times a week in the amount of 30-50 grams after 12-18 months. I remind you that for the first 3-4 days, watch carefully for any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive discomfort in a child.
The first feeding of spinach only after heat treatment.
It is preferable to steam it.
We offer fresh spinach for children after 3 years in a salad.
can children give spinachPersonally, my children got acquainted with spinach in pizza after 3 years, then I offered a fresh salad. In our Russian diet, it is not such an important product that you should definitely introduce a child into complementary foods early. It is possible that the taste of spinach after 2 years is not to your liking, because they are very picky. But is my task as a parent of to ensure the palatability of basic foods, for me it is not included in this list. So if my child eats spinach omelet, cheese and spinach pizza, and green borscht, this is a nutritional success of a varied diet. Let them learn the rest when they grow up. nine0014
Of course, if a child has iron deficiency anemia, then children can be given spinach as a way to assimilate and enrich the body with iron through food.
But with such a diagnosis, it is important to consult a good Hematologist.
Also, do not forget about the seasonality and age of the child. If your baby is too young during the spinach season to get to know him, then it is best to make complementary foods for the next year. If spinach is vital for a baby, then we introduce a frozen product or offer half the recommended serving. nine0014
Spinach allergy in children
spinach baby foodSpinach allergy is not common but not uncommon. It contains certain proteins and nutrients that are not recognized by a person with an allergy and therefore a reaction to spinach occurs, such as inflammation of the tissues and shortness of breath.
Introduce the child to spinach from a small amount to easily notice any adverse reaction, and then gradually increase the amount.
Spinach alternative
Does spinach cause constipation in a child?
High in fiber and water, which are well known to help prevent constipation, spinach promotes healthy digestion.
It has a good property - a slight laxative effect.
Spinach and Sorrel are the same
spinach vegetableSpinach and Sorrel are among the most vitamin herbs among vegetables. Outwardly, they are extremely similar, the ripening period is also the same, in some dishes they can be alternated. However, there is still a difference between them. nine0014
Tastes like sorrel sour , and spinach sour-bitter . The appearance is also different, but not significantly, so they are confused. With the help of sorrel, you can get more useful trace elements, unlike spinach. However, sorrel contains more acids, which makes it dangerous for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Moreover, sorrel is preferable to taste. Therefore, it is better to introduce the child to spinach at the beginning.
How to give spinach
children can be given spinach The first spinach food is mashed potatoes if the child is 12-18 months old.
It can also be served as a smoothie or raw.
To get all the nutrients from spinach, you need to pay attention to the method and time of preparation. A new study shows that spinach can lose up to 90% of its lutein content if not cared for properly.
In addition, the more spinach is cooked and the higher the cooking temperature, the less lutein remains in it. nine0005 Thus, the worst cooking method is to sauté spinach, because only 40% of the original lutein remains after 2 minutes.
It can be quite viscous after cooking, so ideally served as a smoothie or puree, it is the safest choice for young children.
Why is spinach bitter?
Spinach contains an organic compound called oxalic acid, which, together with the tannins in leafy greens, makes it bitter in taste. nine0014
How to choose and store spinach
spinach Spinach can be bought in the market or in small vegetable stalls in the city, as well as in very large hypermarkets, such as Metro.
Selecting a leafy vegetable based on its appearance. It is necessary that the leaves are green and crispy without tears and darkening. We pay attention to sluggish or yellowed leaves, they should not be.
Do not wash spinach before putting it in the refrigerator. Leaves may spoil faster. nine0014
Unwashed spinach can be stored for approx. 3-4 days in a loose plastic bag ; while wrapping the leaves with paper towels. It is better to use a zip bag to squeeze out as much air as possible, then the shelf life can increase up to 5-6 days.
The grocery store sells bagged spinach, which is great because it's pre-washed. Buying frozen spinach is also a convenient option.
The best way to wash fresh spinach…
spinach Immerse the leaves completely in a bowl of water and “wash” them with your hands to remove dirt. Then drain the water and refill the bowl with fresh water, repeating the process until the water in the bowl runs clear.
Wash it thoroughly before use as the sandy soil it is planted in can get stuck between the leaves and the white stem.
Nitrates and spinach
spinach pastaSpinach contains nitrate, which can be converted to nitrite in the body, which in turn can impair oxygen absorption. In young children with low blood volume, this can be harmful, so it is advised to avoid large amounts of spinach during the first year of life. The same goes for other vegetables that are high in nitrates, such as beets, celery leaves, nettles, and chard. nine0014
The risk of a reaction increases with the amount of spinach the child eats, so portions in baby food are relatively small. Also, do not panic, if the baby ate pasta colored with spinach - they are so little used for coloring that there is no danger.
The process of steaming, boiling or blanching significantly reduces the nitrate content of spinach.
Contraindications
spitat children food Spinach is a food that contains oxalates as well as nitrates, so it is a good idea for children under 12 months of age to eat these homemade greens in moderation, if at all.
Very little is said about the dangers of spinach. The truth is that it's not much, but basically there are two things you need to know. If the child is prone to kidney stones and is taking blood thinners.
Kidney stones are formed from acid and mineral salts that stick together, where calcium oxalate stones are most common. Spinach contains like calcium and oxalate . While it's still unclear how dietary oxalates affect kidney stones, it's a good idea to limit spinach if your child has problems with it.
These greens are also high in vitamin K , which may affect those taking blood thinners. It is important to consult with your doctor here.
Intended consumption
Spaghetti spinachSpinach for children can be prepared in the form of mashed potatoes and smoothies. They also love bright green dough products. Hue can be created with spinach.
- Spinach cooked in cream is good and easy to prepare: boil the cream until it becomes a little smooth.
Let the leaves simmer in the cream for 3-4 minutes. Pepper, salt and serve. - Add spinach puree to pasta as a sauce.
- Stir-fry spinach with garlic and eat it as a side dish or add it to freshly cooked pasta, top with cheese. nine0215
- Stir-fry spinach with garlic and spices, turn into sauce.
- Lentil soup with potatoes and spinach makes an interesting soup.
- Spinach omelette is a wonderful breakfast.
In general, it can be used fresh, in the form of sauces for pasta and pizza, in green soups or borscht, as a separate side dish for vegetables, and used fresh in smoothies. For children, we are just looking for a convenient way to consume, at least one.
How to cook spinach
spinach salad First, let's see what spinach looks like. Young leaves are ideal for salad and disappear almost completely when heated. The coarser leaves are not as good for chewing raw, but have a much more interesting appearance when cooked. For example, blanch, steam, stew or fry with garlic.
Spinach is also good in a feta or goat cheese pie or in a frittata.
It is about 90% water, so it loses a lot of volume when cooked.
150g (3 packed cups) spinach may look bulky but only makes 1/4 cup spinach puree. nine0014
Cooking spinach is easy for kids. Can be steamed or boiled in water for about 1 minute for a softer texture and sweeter taste. Once the spinach is cooked, puree with fresh water until it reaches the desired consistency. Spinach puree can be eaten alone or added to other sweet or savory purees for a nutritional boost.
How to blanch spinach
spinach for kidsBlanching is suitable for vegetables with short cooking times and is an excellent method for spinach. In this way, you can prepare beautiful leaves without losing taste, color and usefulness. We do the following:
- Immerse the leaves in lightly salted water that is already boiling.
- Let it boil for about 1 minute.
- Use slotted spoon and dip immediately into cold water.
- Drain and serve.
Blanching is the best way to cook spinach, as this process releases the natural oxalic acid from the leaves. The acid can put stress on the baby's kidneys. For the same reason, you should not use water after boiling spinach.
How to make spinach tasteless?
Blanching spinach for 20-30 seconds in well-salted boiling water is said to remove a fair amount of oxalic acid, which makes some children dislike it.
How to Steam Spinach
SpinachSteam cooking is more gentle on vegetables than immersing them in boiling water. With this method, crispy spinach leaves are obtained, in which the taste, color and usefulness remain.
You can use a steamer or multicooker for steam cooking. And you can make a steam apparatus out of a spacious pan with a lid, a small amount of boiling water at the bottom and a colander. Spinach for children should be steamed for about 3 minutes. Let the water drain before serving. nine0014
How to make spinach puree for kids
spinach Transfer the leaves to a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
Add some water or breast milk to reach the desired consistency.
Spinach puree may not be the most appetizing puree on its own. If the child does not accept it, why not try mixing it with other purees. The combinations are endless, and don't forget you can add spices and herbs to your baby food for extra flavor. nine0014
How to remove bitterness from fried spinach?
One of the healthiest and easiest ways to hide the bitterness of spinach is with citrus fruits. Choose between lemon, lime and orange depending on the taste of the dish. Drizzle freshly squeezed juice over the leaves as soon as they are cooked. We take into account the age of the child, since citrus fruits can cause an allergic reaction.
Freeze Spinach
Freeze Spinach Eating fresh, unfrozen spinach is probably the best way to consume this vegetable in terms of nutritional value. But even when frozen, it contains many useful substances. Especially if it is fresh spinach, which is frozen immediately after harvest.
Not all vitamins and minerals are lost due to scalding or freezing. nine0014
Frozen spinach must be added immediately during cooking without defrosting, then the taste and color of the product is preserved. You can store a frozen product for 3-6 months in an airtight bag, it is better to vacuum the bag, if possible.
In addition to spinach leaves, you can also freeze spinach puree.
First, refrigerate puree in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Next, place the puree in ice cube trays in the freezer. Once completely frozen, remove from the mold and place in a freezer bag or container. Return to the freezer and store for up to 2 months. Freezing in this way allows you to take out small portions as needed. nine0014
Spinach juice or smoothie
Spinach smoothieCan spinach be juiced? It is possible with due diligence. Do you need it? If only using juice to make green noodles.
Approximately spinach juice or smoothie can be used by children over 3 years of age, since raw product is used.
I hope you understand that you need a juicer to make juice. Spinach is not the main product, it is added to celery or apples.
The smoothie is a busy, tired mom's dream because it's easy to make and a great way to get plenty of nutrition for growing kids in one glass. nine0014
Smoothie is perfect for a sick child or on the go.
However, spinach can cause a protest in the child, so we use it in small quantities, for the first time more for coloring the smoothie than for taste.
Finger food and spinach
Spinach finger foodNot the most obvious food to eat with your fingers. For finger food, spinach as an independent product is not very suitable. Although it is worth a try, boil it for a couple and put the product directly into the highchair without a plate. Here it is worth watching the baby, how he will knead and eat this product. It is important to be close, as spinach can get stuck on the palate or on the tongue. nine0014
It can be used for cooking finger food.
For example, soft dough with spinach, noodles with spinach, balls of spinach and cheese, hash browns or bread sticks, etc.
How children will love spinach
The most important thing is not to hide it. One thing is green spaghetti with spinach, where the taste of ordinary pasta, and a leafy vegetable is only for color and a small amount of nutrients. But a lot of spinach is completely different, and accordingly a taste that children will not always like, especially for the first time. nine0014
Picky Eater and Spinach
Spinach PizzaPicky Eater and Spinach is a complex combination. Despite the fact that my child loves everything green, he eats this leafy vegetable only fresh in a salad. Therefore, for picky parents, it is important to understand in what form he is ready to eat a leafy vegetable. Spinach needs to be prepared in a variety of ways and be creative. Older children can use it themselves in the preparation of ordinary familiar dishes.
children can be given spinach It is also important to note the ability of the product to color foods green.
This should be used to expand the child's diet. It is important to tell the child that the green tint comes from the spinach and the flavor comes from other foods.
Ideal to serve spinach for the picky eater with pasta or spaghetti . Since the latter are considered safe foods, the addition of a green tint may appeal to children. We are trying to use spinach as a sauce or side dish. It is important to remember that some children do not like to mix food, so for the first time, you can use a separator plate. Or put a mixture of pasta and spinach in the amount of 1 spoon to see the reaction of the child. nine0014
Recipes with spinach
- Apple + spinach + pea puree
- oats + spinach + puree from avocado
- puree of plum + cilantro with cilantro
- strawberries + spinach + pure of green onion Leek + Asparagus + Spinach Mini Quiche
- Kale + Spinach + Apple
- Spinach + Cheese Dough
- Leek + Spinach + Parsley Cheese Pasta (Pasta)
- Chicken + Spinach Carrot Meatballs
- Baby smoothie - blueberry + spinach with flax seeds
Spinach baby food
spinach pasta Spinach baby food is presented in the form of colored pasta and crepe soup from Mamako.
