Do you have to steam blueberries for baby food
Blueberry Puree - Eating Bird Food
Blueberry puree is full of antioxidants and vitamins and makes for a quick and easy first food for baby! It can also be used as a topping or mix-in for breakfast, dessert and drink recipes.
Blueberries are a fantastic option when introducing solids to baby! They are packed with nutrients, especially for being such small, little berries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Blueberry puree can be made with fresh blueberries so there’s no cooking involved.
- Blueberry allergies are incredibly rare making them a low-risk option for baby!
- Blueberries are a superfood! They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.
- Relatively low on the glycemic index scale, blueberries do not cause a spike in blood sugar.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are known as a superfood. Superfoods are usually plant-based and rich in nutrients that are beneficial to your health such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber.
- fiber – a 1 cup serving of blueberries contains 3.6 grams of fiber. Fiber is essential for gut health, healthy digestion and reduces your risk of chronic disease.
- vitamins – blueberries contain vitamin C, E, K and B6, which are are all essential for helping baby to build a healthy immune system and nervous system, as well as, bone health and proper function of many organs such as the eyes, skin and brain.
- manganese – an essential mineral needed for normal amino acid, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism.
- antioxidants – these plant compounds not only give blueberries their gorgeous color, but also may reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and help prevent cancer and diabetes. (source)
Should I Use Organic Blueberries?
While blueberries are not part of the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables, they rank at number 16. I choose to use organic berries whenever possible for my daughter, but I realize this isn’t always in the budget.
Either way thoroughly rinsing your fruits and vegetables is an important step whether they’re organic or not!
How to Make Blueberry Puree
Making blueberry puree is incredibly easy! Start by sorting through your fresh blueberries to remove any that are underripe, soft or moldy. Rinse the blueberries with cold water.
Place the blueberries and water in a high powered blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a totally smooth texture and the skin is no longer detectable. If you notice there are still little pieces of the skin present, you can strain them out using a fine mesh strainer.
If your baby is older (and ready for chunky purees) you can simply mash the blueberries with a potato masher instead of blending it.
How to Serve Blueberry Puree to Baby
For early stage 1 eaters, blueberry puree is great served straight up with a spoon. Once baby starts moving into stage 2 and 3 foods you can make fun combination purees (see ideas below) or add blueberry puree to different foods.
Try adding it to my baby oatmeal recipe or mixing it into yogurt or a smoothie.
Food Combinations That Pair Well With Blueberry
Blueberry is a flavor that pairs well with so many things! Here are some pairing ideas to help make vegetables and grains more palatable to baby:
- Green veggies – kale, spinach, avocado, zucchini, peas
- Orange veggies – sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot
- White veggies – cauliflower
- Other fruit – banana, strawberries, peaches, apples, kiwis, pears
- Dairy – yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
- Grains – quinoa, oats
- Legumes – chickpeas, lentils
- Seasonings and spices – curry, ginger, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon
Blueberry Baby Food Combo Ideas
Here are some baby food combos with blueberries that might be fun to try:
- Blueberry, banana and oatmeal
- Yogurt and blueberry
- Apple, blueberry and spinach
- Apple, blueberry and banana
- Blueberry, peach and cottage cheese
- Spinach and blueberry
Blueberry Banana Quinoa Flax is another great combo that I share in my stage 2 baby food combinations post!
FAQ About Blueberry Puree
When can I give baby blueberry puree?
Most doctors agree you can give baby stage 1 foods between 4-6 months, when baby shows signs of readiness.
Stage 1 baby foods are simple, thin and watery without chunks or lumps. Blueberry puree is a great option when starting solids with baby!
How do you thicken blueberry puree?
I recommend giving a stage 1 eater a thinner version, but if your baby is ready for stage 2 or above, you can simply combine blueberry puree with yogurt, oatmeal or even rice cereal. You can also blend it with banana, avocado or another thicker puree. Another option is to simmer fresh blueberries over medium heat until they burst and start to thicken, then puree them. This will result in a thicker, sweeter puree.
Do I need to steam blueberries for baby?
Nope! Blueberries are an easy, no-cook option for baby food puree! No need to steam or boil the blueberries before you blend them. Of course, if you want to steam, boil or simmer the blueberries, you can!
Are blueberries safe for babies?
Generally speaking, blueberries pose a very low allergen risk for babies and children.
It’s always best to consult with your doctor if you’re worried.
Can I use frozen blueberries for blueberry puree?
Yes! Let them thaw before blending. Remember, you shouldn’t let frozen foods thaw puree and re-freeze without cooking them. So if you use frozen blueberries to make puree, serve immediately or store in the fridge for a few days, but do not freeze again.
How to Store Blueberry Puree
Fresh blueberry puree should be stored in the fridge and used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the puree in an airtight container. I like using a silicone ice cube tray or freezer safe jars because they make it easier to thaw smaller amounts for serving to babies. Once you have the frozen cubes, you can pop them out and store in a freezer bag.
How to Thaw Frozen Puree
Like other purees, I recommend thawing frozen blueberry puree in the fridge the night before you want to use it. In a pinch, you can also thaw it quickly with a warm water bath.
It thaws quickly if you’re defrosting a small amount.
Other Uses For Blueberry Puree
Blueberry puree isn’t just for babies! Here are some ideas for how to use it:
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt – drizzle on top of baked steel cut oatmeal or mix into your favorite yogurt.
- Topping for pancakes and waffles – level up your breakfast or brunch by topping pancakes or waffles with this blueberry puree. Try it on my protein pancakes!
- Make a smoothie – blueberries are the perfect addition to smoothies and give off a gorgeous purple color! Try throwing some frozen puree cubes into my easy blueberry smoothie.
- For cakes and desserts – blueberry puree is often mixed into sweet treats like cheesecake!
- Serve over ice cream – it would be delicious served over my banana ice cream for a sweet but antioxidant packed treat! You can also mix blueberry puree into homemade or store bought ice cream or frozen yogurt for an extra touch of sweetness that packs some nutrients!
- Stir into drinks – blueberry puree is a great addition to a cocktail! Make a blueberry mojito, stir into a vodka soda or use it to make a blueberry margarita.
For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, mix blueberry puree into lemonade!
More Homemade Baby Food Recipes to Try
- Sweet Potato Puree
- Butternut Squash Puree
- Peach Puree
- Carrot Puree
- Pumpkin Puree
- Applesauce
- Strawberry Puree
- Banana Puree
- Mango Puree
- Pea Puree
Additional Recipes and Resources
- Introducing Solids to Baby + My Approach
- Healthy Smash Cake
- Banana Pancakes For Babies
- Baby Yogurt Melts
- Oatmeal For Babies
Be sure to check out my full collection of blueberry recipes as well as all of the baby food recipes here on EBF.
How to Make Blueberry Puree
5 from 1 vote
Blueberry puree is full of antioxidants and vitamins and makes for a quick and easy first food for baby! It can also be used as a topping or mix-in for breakfast, dessert and drink recipes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
- 2 cups blueberries
- ¼ cup water, plus more if needed
Sort through blueberries and remove any that are underripe, soft or moldy.
Wash blueberries in cold water.Place blueberries and water in a high powered blender or food processor.
Blend until totally smooth and the skin is no longer detectable, adding more water if needed to get the desired consistency. If there are still little pieces of the skin present, you can strain them out using a fine mesh strainer.
You can serve blueberry puree however you like. It's great on its own as a puree for baby or as a topping for yogurt, chia pudding or oatmeal.
Store blueberry puree in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer or up to 3 months. I like to freeze the puree in silicone ice cube trays or small freezer-safe jars so I can easily thaw small amounts when I want to use them.
I recommend thawing frozen puree in the fridge the night before you want to use it, but you can also thaw it quickly with a warm water bath.
food processor
blender
- You can use breastmilk or formula in place of the water if you want to make the blueberry puree more nutrient-dense.
Serving: 4ounces Calories: 43kcal Carbohydrates: 11g Protein: 1g Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 57mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 8g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and share on social media using the hashtag #eatingbirdfood. I love seeing your recipe shares!2-Minute Blueberry Puree for Babies (No Cooking Needed!)
byAmy Palanjian
Updated
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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.
Vitamix Blender
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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Blueberry puree - Encyclopedia Baby food
Recipes 8-10 months Gluten free Flour free Meat free Sugar free Egg free Boil Second breakfast Low calorie Lunch First meal Snack Cooked Puree Dinner Fruits and berries
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Levchuk Victoria ©8-10 months +
- Vitamins: A, C, K, folic acid
- Minerals: potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium
Blueberries are delicious and loaded with antioxidants.
And the modern opportunity to buy frozen berries on the shelves in supermarkets allows mothers to prepare blueberry puree for their baby all year round.
Most doctors recommend waiting 12 months before introducing other berries (strawberries, for example), however, blueberries do not cause allergic reactions and many pediatricians suggest introducing them into complementary foods between 6 and 9 months.
However, remember that the risk of allergy to blueberries still exists, as to any other product, so the 4-7 day waiting rule must be observed. Blueberries are very healthy for young children, they are rich in manganese, vitamin B6, C, K and fiber. nine0003
Fresh blueberries have a very mild laxative effect on the body, which means they can be very helpful in preventing and relieving constipation. On the other hand, dried blueberries have the opposite effect and are often recommended for strengthening stools after a bout of diarrhea.
It is important to remember that blueberry puree will slightly change the color of the baby's stool, black color is possible, don't be scared!
Remember, we always consult with a pediatrician about the introduction of new foods for the baby.
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Puree from blueberries
| Print a recipe |
A simple but delicious recipe for children's food allows the Bloodwood allows to be a star. Simply amazing blueberry flavor. Cooking time0047
Print recipe
A simple yet delicious baby food recipe that makes blueberries the star. Simply amazing blueberry flavor.
| Portations |
| 2 Portion |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
003
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the drained blueberries to a blender and puree.
If necessary, add some liquid from the saucepan.
Add oatmeal (optional) to thicken.
Social networks:
Useful properties, tips on use
of blueberries - this is a long -term shrub up to 60 cm with a height of up to 60th and medium rods. The berries are bright blue with a bluish bloom. For medical purposes, you can use the fruits, young shoots and leaves. Leaves are harvested in early May, berries - in the second half of July. nine0003
The combination of vitamins and minerals gives blueberries an incredible amount of unique beneficial properties that have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the body of a small person. Just one glass of blueberries a day can fill the need of the child's body for vitamins and minerals. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins C, A, E, PP, B vitamins (B1, B2), they contain a lot of potassium, calcium and iron. According to the content of manganese, blueberries are in the first place among all berries and fruits, with its help vitamins C and B1 are better absorbed, brain function improves, manganese is indispensable for food poisoning, helps protect the body from viruses, reduces blood sugar levels.
The leaves and mature berries of blueberries contain tannins, anthocyanins, myrtillins, organic acids (citric, lactic, malic, oxalic, quinic and succinic). nine0004 Contents
- Useful properties of blueberries
- Contraindications
- Blueberries forte
- Blueberries and allergies
- At what age can children be given blueberries?
- How to save blueberries?
- See also:
Interesting to know! Scientists have called blueberries a berry that prolongs life. Doctors from the USA (University of Maine) conducted a study that helped to reveal the unique properties of blueberries. They proved that if you eat a glass of blueberries every day, then the body receives reliable protection against cardiovascular diseases, the development of diabetes and obesity is prevented, metabolic processes improve, which means that blueberries increase life expectancy. nine0003
Useful properties of blueberries
One of the main properties of blueberries is a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
Daily consumption of 50 grams of fresh blueberries improves the functioning of the child's intestines. Due to the content of tannins, dried blueberries are actively used for diarrhea in children, and fresh - for constipation. Blueberries are also detrimental to bacteria that cause acute intestinal infections. Due to the complex of chemicals, the content of pectins (which contribute to the binding and removal of harmful substances from the intestines), it is taken for gastrointestinal diseases, food poisoning, indigestion, to reduce the manifestation of dysbacteriosis. The use of decoctions from blueberries contributes to the sowing of the intestines with normal microflora. To prepare an infusion of dried berries, you need to take 4-5 tsp. dry berries and insist in a glass of cold water (8 hours). nine0003
Blueberries are very useful. It activates the intestines, has a detrimental effect on bacteria, and also improves vision.
Blueberries are also recommended for improving vision in children.
Anthocyanins, which blueberries are very rich in, are the most powerful natural antioxidants and are of great importance for the child's body. Their function is to improve the blood circulation of the retina, to restore its affected areas, to increase visual acuity. Blueberries are especially needed for children who have already developed myopia, and children who experience increased stress on the organs of vision. Classes in computer classes are a direct indication for the use of blueberries. To restore vision, it is recommended to eat one tablespoon of dried berries in the morning half an hour before meals (in the evening it is better to pour them with a little water). nine0003
A huge content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (protoanthocyanides, flavonoids, tannins) gives blueberries anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The use of this berry in food will alleviate the condition during the period of colds, help with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
In case of inflammation of the gums, stomatitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, it is useful to rinse the mouth and throat with juice or decoction of berries (can be dried, frozen). Take 2 tbsp. l. berries per ½ liter of water, then either boil for 30 minutes, or leave for 8 hours, rinse 4 times a day. nine0003
Berries are actively taken in case of winter-spring hypovitaminosis. Blueberries increase the protective forces of the child's body, have a pronounced general strengthening effect. To fill the daily need for vitamins and minerals, use in kind 2-3 tbsp. l. per day, mixed with honey or fructose.
Interesting to know! It has been scientifically proven that by adding berries and blueberry leaves to green tea (namely green), you can activate the brain and mental processes. Together, this drink improves human memory. nine0003
Blueberries have antidiabetic properties. Due to the content of cacniomyrtillin (a substance that helps reduce the amount of sugar in the blood), blueberry leaf infusions are used in the initial stages of diabetes mellitus (with mild forms of the disease).
From the leaves and young shoots of blueberries for children, an infusion is made: 1 tbsp. l. raw materials pour ½ l of water. Boil in an enamel saucepan under a closed lid for 20 minutes, then leave for 40 minutes. Children of preschool age - ¼ cup, teenagers - 1/3 cup, older people - up to ½ cup per dose 4 times a day. Take 2-4 or more months. nine0003
The same decoction of blueberry leaves and shoots is useful for washing purulent wounds on the skin.
Pain relieving property. For toothache, you can rinse your mouth with a decoction of blueberry flowers (50 g of flowers per ½ liter of water, rinse 4 times a day), and eating fresh berries will help get rid of a headache.
Blueberries are good for anemia, they contain a lot of iron and it is absorbed better than from drugs. Blueberries contain oxycoumarins and can be used as a hemostatic agent. It belongs to the lingonberry family, therefore its use is justified both in kidney stones and in inflammatory diseases of the kidneys as a diuretic.
This miracle berry is also good in the fight and prevention of cancer. nine0003
Contraindications
- Diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas;
- Do not eat dried berries for constipation;
- Do not take preparations from the leaves for a long time: toxic effects of hydroquinone may occur.
Blueberry Forte
Blueberry Forte is a dietary supplement. It contains blueberry extract, trace element zinc and vitamins (C, P, B1, B2 and B6). The drug is a strengthening agent for the body as a whole. nine0003
The drug is indicated for children over 3 years old, but more often its use is justified in school-age children with prolonged visual stress to increase the acuity of daytime and twilight vision, improve adaptation to changes in illumination, reduce eye fatigue as a result of prolonged work in artificial lighting. Also, the drug has a good effect on inflammatory processes in the organ of vision.
Blueberries and allergies
Blueberries, along with apples, pears and white-yellow berries, are products with a low allergenic potential, and therefore should be included in the diet of an allergic person, because they rarely provoke immune reactions.
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At what age can blueberries be given to children?
Babies under one year old can eat blueberries from 7 months, adding a few berries to juices and fruit purees. Do not give small children whole berries, not pureed. Do not give blueberries to children who have problems with stool.
Children over one year old can eat about ½-1 cup of berries a day.
Children over 3 years of age should eat 1-2 cups a day during the summer when blueberries are ripening, unless they have an individual intolerance to blueberries and allergic reactions. nine0003
How to save blueberries?
You can make delicious and healthy jam from blueberries.To preserve more useful properties, it would be better to rub blueberries 1:1 with sugar and store in a jar with a lid in the refrigerator.
It is good to freeze or dry berries. For drying, the berries should first be dried for 2-3 hours in the sun, and then dried in an oven or, better, in an electric dryer. You can store dried berries for up to 2 years.
