When can i feed my baby spinach
When Can Babies Eat Spinach? Know When To Introduce It
Know how to make spinach baby food safely and when to introduce it to your little one
By Emily Pidgeon
We all want to see our kids eat more green food. That starts when they start eating solid foods as an infant. If you’re hoping your baby will be “strong to the finish,” just like Popeye by eating spinach regularly, then you may wonder when a suitable time would be to introduce that iron-rich food to your little one. This little green leaf’s ability to pack on the nutrients makes it such a great food for parents to feed their tots.
Contents
- Why you should use caution when feeding baby spinach
- When can babies eat spinach?
- How to safely feed your baby spinach
But when are babies able to eat spinach safely? More importantly, how can you make spinach baby food that your child will actually eat? Whether or not they like it makes the difference between a lifelong love of the veggie or a world without it. Let’s break down the when and how to get your nugget to enjoy this mineral-rich superfood.
Why you should use caution when feeding baby spinach
Adding a small amount of spinach to your baby’s regular diet adds much-needed iron to their bodies. Iron is a critical nutrient in the preliminary stages of a baby’s development. It’s needed to produce red and white blood cells as well as for overall lung and brain development.
Strictly speaking, spinach is an excellent source of iron for humans, and is used often in baby foods to help enrich their diets. Where the problem occurs is when the spinach is processed, nitrates begin to build up. This can cause damage to your baby’s red blood cells – more specifically, the hemoglobin protein within them. Nitrates can convert hemoglobin into methemoglobin, creating a lack of oxygen being shared from the red blood cells to the tissues.
When can babies eat spinach?
Luckily, babies are born with enzymes in their bloodstream to help flip methemoglobin back to hemoglobin without any lasting damage. However, the number of enzymes needed to combat a nitrate overload is not found in infants younger than 3-6 months old. Because of the risks involved with using possibly contaminated veggies –either grown at home or bought at the store – it is not recommended for children younger than 8 months old to be served spinach in any form.
Nitrates aren’t only found in spinach, and as the American Academy of Pediatrics explains to parents, it’s important to keep in mind:
“Nitrates aren’t the only cause of methemoglobinemia. Certain antibiotics and the numbing agent found in teething gels can also convert hemoglobin to methemoglobin. And baby food isn’t the only dietary source of nitrates. Drinking water (especially well water) can contain high levels of nitrates from fertilizer run-off. In fact, the most common cause of methemoglobinemia in babies (including those older than 6 months of age) is the ingestion of infant formula made with nitrate-containing well water!”
How to safely feed your baby spinach
The main thing to keep in mind is, all homemade baby foods that are prepared with ground-growing veggies have the possibility to be contaminated with nitrate-rich fertilizers. This happens from contaminated veggies themselves, the soil, or the groundwater. Keeping your baby on a steady diet free from these types of freshly-prepared veggies from home until after the age of 6 months – or 8 months in the case of spinach – is the main thing to focus on.
Vegetables that have been found to hold higher levels of nitrates are:
- Spinach and other greens
- Beets
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Squash
- Beans
Keep in mind that baby food companies run testing for nitrate levels prior to bottling to prevent negative side effects in infants. It’s important for parents to understand avoiding spinach only applies to parents who prepare their own baby foods at home. Due to the lack of sufficient home testing, pediatricians recommend parents wait at least 8 months to prep and feed freshly made spinach purees to their infants.
We understand the importance of infants getting the best quality ingredients in their diet. We don’t want to discourage you from wanting to make your own meals at home for your growing baby. We only want you to do so in a safe and healthy manner. If you prepare your infant’s meals at home, we encourage you to sit down with your child’s doctor or nutritionist to plan and prepare foods that will not only give them a healthy and balanced diet but will also hit all those important health marks such as organic and sustainably grown.
Editors' Recommendations
- 8 healthy Instant Pot recipes that will please every family member
- 6 healthy sheet-pan dinners that make cleanup a breeze
- Get the family on a healthy eating kick in 2023 with these simple weeknight meals
- Here are mealtime rituals for kids to keep them engaged at the dinner table
- 5 vegetarian baby food recipes that are easy to make
Giving Baby Homemade Spinach Baby Food
Image: Shutterstock
The Goodness of Spinach for Baby
Spinach is an amazing source of Calcium. Just 1 cup of cooked spinach gives you 42 mg of calcium. Spinach also contains respectable amounts of Vitamin A, Iron and Selenium too. Spinach is truly a wonderful leafy green that packs a lot of nutrients. On this page you will learn about introducing spinach to babies and find great spinach baby food recipe ideas too.
Spinach is an oxalate food as well as a nitrate food so for babies under the age of 8 months, eating homemade spinach in moderation, if at all, is a good idea – see below for information about homemade spinach.
Spinach: (one cup, cooked) VITAMINS: Vitamin A – 213 mg Vitamin C – 0 mg Pantothenic Acid – .3 mg Niacin – 2.1 mg Riboflavin – .1 mg Thiamine – .1 mg Folate – 16.9 mcg Contains some other vitamins in small amounts. | MINERALS: Potassium – 81 mg Phosphorus – 151 mg Magnesium – 2. 1 mg Calcium – 42 mg Sodium – 19 mg Iron – 1.5 mg Selenium – 30 mg Also contains small amount of copper, manganese and other. |
When can I introduce Spinach to my baby?
Recommendations for introducing spinach to babies vary greatly. Some pediatricians say that introducing spinach between 6-7 months of age is just fine while others say to wait until 8 or even 10 months. Age recommendations on Wholesome Baby Food are more conservative in nature and there is no doubt that the recommended age for introducing spinach is very conservative. I find it would best to wait to introduce spinach into baby’s diet until between 10-12 months of age with 8 months being the earliest; this is mostly for those of you who will be making homemade spinach. Studies have shown that if not properly stored, nitrate levels may increase in spinach. Waiting to introduce baby to spinach will also allow your baby to enjoy spinach in a chopped form rather than a pureed form.
As always, you consult with your baby’s pediatrician on introducing solid foods as generalities may not apply to your infant.
How to select and store Spinach for baby food
According to the EWG, spinach is one of the “dirty dozen” foods that is most contaminated with pesticides; purchasing organic spinach is a good idea.
When selecting Spinach for homemade baby food, try to purchase fresh whenever possible. You may also purchase bagged fresh spinach if you prefer. Purchasing fresh spinach allows you to select tender and firm leaves that are not wilty or otherwise damaged. Frozen spinach is an option as well.
For proper storage, be sure to keep spinach in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator and do not let it become damp or collect droplets of water in the bag.
The best way to cook Spinach for baby food recipes
You may steam or boil spinach however I recommend sauteing fresh spinach in a wee bit of olive oil. Spinach is cooked when the leaves are soft, tender and have shrunk. Cooked spinach will appear to be stringy and “wilty”.
Enjoy these Tasty Spinach Baby Food Recipes
Spinach Baby Food Puree
- Any amount of fresh spinach you desire
Step 1: Thoroughly cleanse fresh spinach and pick out damaged leaves
Step 2: Steam in a pot with a steamer basket insert (water should just peek through the holes of the basket).
Step 3: Leaves will shrink and appear wilted when done.
DO NOT USE COOKING WATER TO PUREE.
Step 4: Drain and puree spinach in blender or food processor,
Step 5: Add fresh water until mixture is of the desired consistency.
Sautéed Spinach Baby Food **
(May be used for Kale and Collards also)
- Any amount of spinach you desire
- olive oil
Step 1: Thoroughly cleanse fresh spinach and pick out damaged leaves
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a frying pan
Step 3: Place spinach in the pan with the heated olive oil and sauté until tender. Leaves will shrink and appear wilted when done.
Step 4: Puree spinach in blender or food processor,
Step 5: Add fresh water until mixture is of the desired consistency.
Add some spices such as garlic cloves or powder, basil or onion powder if baby is able to have these spices.
Baby’s Souffle of Spinach
- 10 -16 oz fresh or frozen spinach (if using frozen, please drain excess liquid prior to using.)
- 1/3 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 eggs or 4 yolks (increase if mix is too runny)
- pinch of garlic and basil
Step 1: Combine all ingredients and spoon into a lightly oiled (we always use olive oil.) baking dish or muffin tray.
Step 2: Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
Step 3: You may wish to insert a toothpick and then withdraw it to check that the insides are done.
Foods Good to Mix With Spinach
- Carrots
- Parsnip
- Peas
- Potatoes (white and sweet)
- Summer Squash – yellow, zucchini
- Lentils
- Chicken
Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.
SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON PINTEREST
in 1 year, as well as before and after, what is the benefit, when is it harmful and how to cook - step by step recipes Russian farmer
Spinach is a real treasure trove of vitamins and microelements. Its benefits for the growing body of a child can hardly be overestimated.
It refers not to greens, as is commonly believed, but to vegetables and is very popular in European and American cuisine.
In Russia, few people know about the beneficial properties of this plant and the possibility of including it in the children's diet. In the article we will tell you what the benefits of spinach are, and at what age it can be introduced into complementary foods.
Show content
- At what age can you give?
- Benefit
- Can it be harmful and when?
- What is combined with and how to use?
- Step-by-Step Baby Meals
Smoothies Chicken Soufflé Casserole
- Other Leafy Vegetables
At what age can it be given?
The unique composition of this vegetable makes it especially beneficial for the health and development of the child. It has a beneficial effect on the formation of the central nervous system of the child, his cardiovascular system, and the work of the gastrointestinal tract. This leafy vegetable also helps children suffering from constipation, as it contains a lot of fiber.
Most Russian pediatricians agree that children should be given spinach from the age of six months only after the child has tasted other leafy vegetables. But foreign manufacturers of baby food include spinach in dishes with potatoes intended for children from 4 months old.
It is necessary to start the introduction only with a thermally processed vegetable, that is, in the form of mashed potatoes or soup. For the first time, the minimum dose (1 tsp) is sufficient. Although spinach is not an allergic product, individual intolerance is not excluded. In the absence of a reaction, the daily dose can be gradually increased to 50 g.
Fresh spinach leaves are introduced into the menu of a child over two years old. Greens are recommended to be added to salads in the proportion of 50g of leaves per 200g of lettuce.
Important! Dishes with spinach are not recommended to be given to a child more than twice a week.
Only a freshly prepared dish can be offered to a baby.
Benefits
The benefits of spinach are related to its composition. Nutrient content (per 100g of product):
- Vitamins (mg):
- A - 0. 75;
- B1 - 0.1;
- V2 - 0.25;
- C - 55;
- E - 2.5;
- B3 - 1.2;
- B4 - 18;
- B5 - 0.3;
- B6 - 0.1;
- B9 - 80;
- K - 483;
- N - 0.1.
- Minerals (mg):
- Kaliy - 774.
- calcium - 106.
- Magnesium - 82.
- phosphorus - 83.
- sodium - 24.
- Iron - 3.5.
- Zinc - 0.53.
- Selenium - 0.001.
- Copper - 0.013.
- Manganese - 9.
- Iodine - 0.02.
- Nutrition value (per 100 g of product):
- Calories - 23 kcal.
- Squirrels - 2.9 g.
- Fat - 0.3 g. Read the chemistry here.
So spinach in baby food promotes:
- normalization of metabolism;
- prevention of rickets and the formation of strong bones and teeth;
- strengthening immunity;
- treatment of anemia;
- relief from constipation.
Spinach also contains lutein, which improves immunity, dietary fiber. It is believed that the antioxidants contained in the vegetable prevent the occurrence of oncology. The advantages of spinach include its low calorie content, so overweight does not threaten the child.
In addition, we must add to this list a tonic effect, a mild diuretic effect, help with stress and mental stress, maintenance of the thyroid gland.
Learn more about the benefits and harms of spinach and how to eat it here.
Can it cause harm and when?
The main disadvantage of spinach is the presence of oxalic acid in it. Because of this, it should not be offered to babies with kidney or urinary problems. Also, this leafy vegetable can harm the health of children with liver diseases, gastrointestinal ulcers. However, an excess of oxalic acid is observed only in old spinach leaves, while in young ones it is very small.
Important! Oxalic acid can be neutralized by adding milk or cream to the dish. These are essential ingredients in all children's dishes with spinach.
What is combined with and how to use?
- Fresh spinach goes well with first and second courses. But in a freshly picked form, children do not like it because of insipidity. Before use, it is necessary to sort out the leaves, removing the old ones. You can store fresh spinach only in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days, after wrapping it in parchment or in a damp cloth. Otherwise, salts are formed in it, which are harmful to the body not only of the child, but also of adults.
It is better not to give fresh spinach to children at an early age. You can add it to the menu for children from two years old, no more than twice a week and only young leaves no more than 5 cm in length.
- Dried spinach is used as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes, cereals and side dishes. Fresh leaves are carefully selected, washed and dried in the fresh air or in a special dryer.
Dried herbs are stored in an airtight container in a dark place and, if necessary, crushed, added to the dish a few minutes before the end of cooking. Dried spinach is recommended to be offered to children from 1 year old as part of the main dishes.
- Frozen Spinach is great because it retains its nutritional value and taste when frozen. Frozen greens can be added to baby food. But you can’t store spinach in the freezer for more than 3 months. When cooking, keep in mind that frozen spinach should be taken 2 times less than fresh.
After taking it out of the freezer, it must be immediately lowered into a hot dish, because. When pre-thawed, spinach loses more vitamins.
- Boiled spinach , like frozen spinach, does not lose its nutrients. The first water must be drained and continue to boil in new water. This will get rid of the nitrates in the leaves. Fresh leaves with a uniform color are suitable for cooking for children. Spinach cooks quickly, so the laying in the dish occurs at the end of cooking.
For babies up to a year old, they prepare mashed potatoes and soufflés with spinach and meat or vegetables, add it to mashed soups. Older children willingly eat omelettes with herbs, pies, salads and just spinach leaves with various fillings, such as egg pate or cheese.
Click here for tips on eating and cooking spinach.
Step-by-step recipes for children's meals
Smoothies
Ingredients:
- young spinach - 1 bunch;
- banana - 1 piece;
- milk - 1.5 tbsp.;
- honey - 1 tsp;
- lemon juice - 2 tbsp.
Preparation:
- Wash the spinach well, remove the old leaves and place in a blender.
- Add sliced banana, honey and lemon juice to the spinach.
- Grind everything with a blender, then pour in the milk and beat the contents of the blender again.
Serve immediately as smoothies During storage, spinach loses color and useful properties.
We offer you to watch a video about that. how to make spinach smoothie for baby:
chicken soufflé
Ingredients:
- spinach - 1 bunch or 1 tbsp. frozen;
- egg - 1 pc.;
- milk - 30 ml;
- boiled chicken minced in a blender - 0.5 tbsp;
- a pinch of salt;
- butter for greasing the mold.
Preparation:
- Steam the spinach briefly in a covered container.
- Add the egg yolk, salt and milk to the chicken, beat thoroughly.
- Separately beat the egg white until foamy and, after stirring, add to the mixture.
- Then pour everything into a pre-oiled mold.
- Steam soufflé with the lid on. Or place the form in a container filled with water and put in the oven for 30 minutes at a temperature of 180 ° C).
This delicate soufflé will be appreciated by little gourmets who do not yet know how to chew their food well.
Casserole
Ingredients:
- fresh spinach - 500 gr;
- sugar - 2 tablespoons;
- egg - 2 pcs.;
- noodles - 100 gr;
- juice of one lemon;
- butter for greasing the mold;
- a pinch of salt.
Preparation:
- Wash spinach leaves, chop and boil for 3-5 minutes. Squeeze out the water and grind in a blender.
- Pour in the lemon juice.
- Beat eggs with sugar.
- Boil the noodles, drain the water.
- Mix everything, salt.
- Place the resulting mass in a pre-oiled form.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 180°C.
Casserole is an independent dish and is suitable for feeding children from 1. 5 years old.
Spinach is an amazing herbaceous plant, widely known throughout the world for its incredibly beneficial properties and chemical composition. Why do men and women eat spinach and whether the vegetable will help with weight loss - read in our materials.
Other leafy vegetables
In addition to spinach, there are many other leafy vegetables that are very good for children. Peking and cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, watercress, leaf beets are very rich in easily digestible iron, calcium and vitamins, especially necessary for the development of the child.
Thus, spinach is one of the richest leafy vegetables in terms of composition. Vitamins and minerals it contains in large quantities. But due to the lack of a pronounced taste, children often refuse to eat it. However, even a small amount of this product in the daily children's menu will significantly improve the health of the child and favorably affect his development.
Top
Go to channel
Spinach for children0001
Viktoria Levchuk©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.
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.
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 cropSpinach is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and its surrounding regions. 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.
spinach nutritionSpinach 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 cartoon character Popeye, the 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.
In Russia, spinach is less popular; it was eaten around the middle of the 18th century in aristocratic homes. 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.
It is considered one of the most important vegetables in the world and 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 certain 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.
Vitamins in spinach
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.
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.
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 needs for this mineral.
Recommendations for introducing spinach to children vary greatly. 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 the introduction of the product until 12-18 months , with 12 months being the earliest age to introduce spinach into complementary foods.
Studies have shown that can increase nitrate levels in spinach if not stored properly. 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 we carefully observe 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.
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 growing season to get to know him, then it is best to produce 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.
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
Spinach is one of the most nutritious foods, so if you are allergic to it, it is important to find alternative sources of the nutrients found in this product.
- rugula
- Salad Romen
- Cross Salat
- Escarol
- Cabbage
- Green turnip
Crazy or spinach or a strangle can be stolen, although pieces of raw leaves can be stole which will cause vomiting. Since whole fresh spinach leaves are difficult for children to chew and swallow, don't forget to chop them finely both raw and cooked to minimize the risk.
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.
Tastes like sorrel sourish , 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 spinachThe 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. 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.
How to choose and store spinach
spinachSpinach 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.
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…
spinachImmerse 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.
The risk of a reaction increases as the amount of spinach the child eats increases, 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
spit for children foodSpinach is a food that contains oxalates as well as nitrates, so it is a good idea for children under 12 months of age to consume 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.
- Sauté spinach with garlic and eat it as a side dish or add it to freshly cooked pasta, top with cheese.
- 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 saladFirst, 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.
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.
How to make baby spinach puree
spinachTransfer 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.
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
Freezing SpinachEating 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Picky Eater and Spinach
Pizza SpinachPicky 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 spinachIt 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.
Recipes with spinach
- Apple + spinach + pea puree
- oats + spinach + puree from avocado
- puree + cilantro with cinza
- strawberries + puree from green onions with yachmen
- LUKS 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 pastaSpinach baby food is presented in the form of colored pasta and crepe soup from Mamako.