Spinach baby food combo

It can be quite viscous when cooked, 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. nine0005

How to choose and store 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. nine0005

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…

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 contains a substance called nitrate, which can be converted into 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. nine0005

The risk of a reaction increases with the amount of spinach the child eats, so portions of it 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

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

Spinach 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. nine0144
• 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

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. nine0005

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

Blanching 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

Steam 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. nine0005

How to make spinach puree for kids

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. nine0005

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.

Freezing 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. nine0005

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 the 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. nine0005

Spinach juice or smoothie

Can spinach be juiced? It is possible with due diligence. Is it necessary? If only using juice to make green noodles.

Approximately spinach juice or smoothie can be used by children over 3 years of age as 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.

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. nine0005

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

Not 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. nine0005

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 breadsticks, 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. nine0005

Picky Eater and Spinach

Picky 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.

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. nine0005

Recipes with spinach

• Apple + spinach + pea puree
• oats + spinach + puree from avocado
• puree + cilantro with cilantro
• strawberries + spinach + puree of green onion
• Leek + Asparagus + Spinach Mini Quiche
• Cabbage + 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 baby food is presented in the form of colored pasta and crepe soup from Mamako. So parents will have to cook spinach dishes for their children on their own. nine0005

• Cream-SUP Mamako from spinach with goat milk 150 grams from 8 months
• A mixture for soups Smeshariki with lentils and spinach 180 grams
• Macarone Smeshariki with spinach, etc.

Foods that go well with spinach:

• spinach cake

  Avocado

• Rice
• Egg
• Different types of cheeses 9014 4 corn
• 0005

  nutritionist, host of the Doctor TV channel, psychotherapist

  - Most nutritionists sing the praises of spinach, and rightfully so. The neutral taste of spinach allows you to combine it with vegetables, fish, poultry, meat. Spinach is the leader among green vegetables in terms of protein content. One hundred grams of fresh spinach contains two daily values ​​of vitamin A, six daily values ​​of vitamin K and 40% of the daily requirement for vitamin B9.

  Due to its high potassium content, spinach is often recommended for people prone to high blood pressure. Excessive salt intake provokes hypertension, and potassium, as a sodium antagonist, normalizes the level of pressure. Eating spinach regularly will help keep your blood pressure under control. nine0005

  In addition to potassium, spinach contains iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese - useful and important trace elements.

  Spinach is rich in fiber, it normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract and contributes to the timely and high-quality cleansing of the intestines. And it not only improves mood, but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.

  One hundred grams of spinach has about three grams of protein. Among the greens, this is a record figure. Although, of course, vegetable protein cannot be considered complete and qualitatively satisfy the body's need for amino acids. But if a person reduces the level of animal protein in the diet, it makes sense to choose from plant foods exactly those foods that are most rich in protein. nine0005

  Spinach reduces energy density and caloric content of the diet, helps to avoid spikes in blood sugar, which is very useful for people with diabetes and insulin resistance. In the process of weight loss, spinach is an indispensable assistant and allows you to easily and tasty get the necessary four servings of vegetables during the day.

  Carotene, which is contained in spinach, is very important for vision, improves the condition of the skin and hair, and is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones. nine0005

  How to eat spinach for greater health benefits

  Spinach is good both raw - in salads, fruit and vegetable smoothies (apple + spinach), okroshka, and thermally processed (spinach is a great side dish). Thanks to its rich taste and low calorie content (only 23 kcal per 100 g), it will make any plate tasty and healthy.

  Thanks to greenhouse farms, spinach is available year-round in many cities. Spinach tolerates freezing well, so the frozen product can be used in different dishes, and it will be no less useful. nine0005

  However, it should be noted that the absorption of minerals from plant foods can be difficult due to phytic acid. Cooking, steaming or soaking in water can reduce the effects of phytic acid.

  Therefore, if you want to get the maximum of trace elements, soak or steam spinach. If you want to get the most fiber, eat it fresh.

  Contraindications

  Due to the high content of oxalic acid, the abuse of spinach can lead to urolithiasis. Also, due to the high content of vitamin K, people who are prone to thrombosis or are being treated with drugs that reduce blood clotting, it is better to exclude this product. Patients with gastritis or pancreatitis may experience discomfort when eating fresh herbs. nine0005

  Wash spinach thoroughly before eating. This will help to get rid of possible bacterial flora and traces of plant protection products.

  Benefits of spinach for women

  Elena Syurakshina

  endocrinologist of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences, nutritionist

  - Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals that help maintain the overall health of the body, strengthen hair, and prolong the youthfulness of the skin. A sufficiently high iron content with regular use allows you to normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which activates the blood supply to tissues and organs, and improves overall well-being. Low calorie content and a large amount of fiber allow you to activate your metabolism and keep weight under control. nine0005

  Vitamin A along with vitamin E are very important for women's health and beauty. However, the use of vitamin A in unreasonably high dosages (more than 10,000 IU / day) for pregnant women can be dangerous, as this can lead to defects in the development of organs and tissues of the fetus.

  The benefits of spinach for the male body

  Folic acid (vitamin B9), which is found in spinach, is also very important for men. It increases the level of sperm production, prevents the development of atherosclerosis. nine0005

  Due to the high content of potassium, spinach has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

  Low-calorie, plant-based protein, adequate fiber all help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

  How spinach is used in medicine

  • Due to the high content of nutrients, spinach is widely used in medical and dietary nutrition. For example, dishes with spinach are recommended to be included in the diet for diseases of the blood, cardiovascular system, and digestive disorders. nine0005

  • So, a decoction of spinach can be drunk with constipation and increased gas formation in the intestines. Smoothies made from fresh spinach combined with other vegetables can be a great help in the prevention of beriberi.

  • In addition, eating spinach regularly is recommended for those who experience stress or intense mental stress: due to the high content of minerals, it will help to relax and restore the nervous system. nine0005

  • Spinach is also useful in baby food - it has a beneficial effect on bone formation, is a source of vitamins and minerals necessary for growth.

  How spinach is used in cosmetology

  Rich in vegetable acids, spinach is often used in cosmetology. Masks and wraps can be used to brighten the skin, eliminate pigmentation and for a gentle natural exfoliation. nine0005

  In addition, the antioxidants found in spinach can neutralize the action of free radicals and thus slow down the aging process. Spinach-based products perfectly protect the skin from UV radiation, and homemade masks can be used after sun exposure. Due to the high content of vitamins A and C, spinach activates the regeneration of the skin, making it more elastic and radiant.

  Homemade spinach mask: a simple recipe nine0005

  For homemade spinach-based care, you can prepare a simple mask. Grind a small amount of spinach in a blender, add water if necessary. If you want to achieve a brightening effect, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. If your skin needs extra nourishment or repair (for example, after a long sun exposure), mix spinach with a teaspoon of olive oil. For a lifting effect, spinach can be combined with egg white.

  Spinach-based products have been proven to help grow and strengthen hair, which is why this green can often be seen on the ingredient list of natural shampoos, masks and balms. nine0005

  Delicious and easy recipes

  Spinach Cream Soup

  
  

  Ingredients : butter - 50 g, onion - 1 pc., garlic - 2 cloves, potatoes - 2-3 pcs., chicken or vegetable broth - 500 ml, milk 3.2% fat - 500 ml, spinach ( fresh or frozen) - 450 g, lemon ½ piece, salt, ground pepper, nutmeg - to taste. Optional - heavy cream, 1 tbsp. spoonful for each serving. nine0005

  Cooking

  Melt the butter in a saucepan or heavy bottomed saucepan over low heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic and saute until soft, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Cut the potatoes into small cubes, add to the vegetables and fry for another minute, stirring constantly. Pour the broth over the fried vegetables and cook for about 10 minutes over moderate heat, covered. Add milk and bring to a boil. Lay out half of the spinach. nine0005

  Finely grate the zest of ½ lemon, add to the soup, cook covered for another 15 minutes, then cool slightly.

  Add the remaining spinach, blend in a blender until smooth, heat again. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Garnish with cream before serving.

  Italian spinach pie

  
  

  Ingredients : spinach (fresh or frozen) - 500 g, cottage cheese 9% fat - 200 g, eggs - 3 pcs., Hard cheese - 150 g, bacon or smoked sausage - 100 g, flour - 3 tbsp. spoons, vegetable oil for lubrication, salt, pepper to taste.

  Cooking

  Defrost spinach if using frozen. Coarsely chop fresh spinach or tear the leaves with your hands. Mix with cottage cheese, eggs, flour. To make the mass more homogeneous, it can be pierced with a blender, but you can not do this, then the cake will turn out to be more textured. nine0005

  Cut cheese and smoked meats into small cubes, mix with spinach mass. Salt and pepper. Keep in mind that cheese and smoked meats will give the pie a salty taste, so the dough can be slightly salted. Lubricate the form with vegetable oil, bake at a temperature of 180 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

  Light spinach and apple salad

  Ingredients 300g fresh spinach, 2 large apples, ½ onion red onion, 50g walnuts, 150g feta cheese, 80g dried cranberries. nine0005

  For dressing : olive oil - 80 ml, apple cider vinegar - 50 ml, lemon juice - 2 tbsp. spoons, Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp. spoon, garlic - 1 clove, honey - 1 tbsp. spoon, salt, pepper to taste.

  Cooking

  Peel the apples from the cores and cut into thin slices. Chop the onion into thin half rings. Coarsely tear the spinach leaves with your hands, chop the walnuts with a knife. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, add cranberries and half of the crumbled feta cheese.

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