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Wholesome baby food spinach


Giving Baby Homemade Spinach Baby Food

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 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.

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Spinach Puree - Healthy Little Foodies

All Posts, by Date » Baby Friendly Recipes » Spinach Puree

By: Amy

Jump to Recipe

Spinach puree is loaded with goodness and is great mixed with a range of sweet and savoury purees.

Spinach is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, Folic acid, Iron and Calcium.

Although nutritionally appealing, many children do not enjoy the bitter taste of spinach. Babies, however, are a lot more accomodating with new flavours. Introducing this leafy green vegetable to your baby will allow them to get used to the flavour and hopefully, they will be more accepting of it when they are older.

Choosing and Storing Spinach

  • Look for spinach leaves that are green, crisp and without any tears or darkening.
  • Avoid limp or yellowing leaves.
  • Don’t wash the spinach before you refrigerate it. If you wash it before you store it, the leaves have a tendency to deteriorate quicker.
  • Refrigerate unwashed spinach in a loose plastic bag; it'll keep for three to four days.

How to Make Spinach Puree

  1. Remove the stems from the spinach and discard
  2. Wash the spinach thoroughly and shake off excess water.
  3. Steam the spinach until the leaves are tender and wilted, around 3-5 minutes.
  4. Run cold water over the spinach to stop the cooking process. Drain well.

5. Transfer the leaves to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a touch of water or baby milk to reach desired consistency.

Spinach Puree for Babies

Spinach puree may not be the most appetising puree on its own. If your baby isn't accepting of it then why not try mixing it with some other purees. The combinations are endless and don't forget you can add spices and herbs to baby food for extra flavour.

Why not try mixing spinach puree with

  • Apple Puree
  • Banana Puree
  • Blueberry Puree
  • Carrot Puree
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Parsnip Puree
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Pea Puree
  • Mashed Potato
  • Sweet Potato Puree
  • Pureed Lentils
  • Pureed chicken or fish

Other Ways to Use Spinach Puree

Spinach puree (also known as Palak Puree) is used in many Indian dishes including curries and soups.

You can also use spinach puree to add a veggie boost to pasta sauces, smoothies and baked goods such as muffins and brownies.

Spinach Yield

Spinach is made up of about 90% water, so when cooked it loses a huge amount of volume.

150g (3 packed cups) of spinach may look a lot but it only yeilds ¼ cup of pureed spinach.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
  • Freeze the puree in ice-cube trays and once fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place into a freezer bag or container. Return to the freezer and store for up to 2 months. (Freezing it this way allows you to take out small portions as needed.) 

Looking for more puree recipes? Check out our Puree Category Page for a range of fruit and vegetable puree recipes.

Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

5 from 3 votes

Author: Amy

Spinach Puree

Spinach puree is loaded with goodness and is great mixed with a range of sweet and savoury purees.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

  • ▢ 150g (3 packed cups) Spinach

  • Remove the stems from the spinach and discard.

  • Wash the spinach thoroughly and shake off excess water.

  • Add enough water to the bottom of a pan so that it does not rise above the steamer basket. Place a steaming basket, with the washed spinach leaves in it, into the pot.

  • Cover and boil the water until steam has formed. Steam the spinach until the leaves are tender and wilted, around 3-5 minutes.

  • Transfer cooked spinach to a colander and run cold water over the spinach to stop the cooking process.

  • Drain well and if needed, gently squeeze the spinach to remove excess water.

  • Transfer the leaves to a blender and blend until smooth. You may wish to add 1-2 teaspoons of water/baby milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Washing Spinach: It is important to thoroughly wash the spinach. If especially dirty, plunge the leaves into a large bowl of cold water and rinse thoroughly under cold water 

No Steamer?: You can blanch the spinach. Add the spinach to a pot of boiling water, stir and let it cook for around 1 min.

Yield: 150g (3 packed cups) of spinach will yield around ¼ cup of spinach puree.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
  • Freeze the puree in ice-cube trays and once fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place into a freezer bag or container. Return to the freezer and store for up to 2 months. (Freezing it this way allows you to take out small portions as needed.) 

Nutritional Information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator. 

Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4689IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

Course:Puree

Cuisine:Puree

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagram at @healthylittlefoodies or leave me a comment & rating below.

Meet Amy

Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more

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Spinach recipes for children

Published:

Photo: UGC

When introducing solid foods to your baby, start with spinach. Spinach, the recipes for which we recommend trying, will benefit the baby's body. Thanks to its vitamin complex, you will forget about problems with the tummy, strengthen the bones of the child, and simplify the process of forming and teething.

How to cook spinach for a baby under one year old

The first complementary foods are a real headache for a mother. Not only should the products be prepared without sugar, salt and oil, but also the taste of not all products will appeal to little fussy eaters.

Spinach is just the product that not all kids will like. However, this is not a reason to refuse it.

To be successful in this task, it is important to know how to cook spinach so that your baby will like it.

Photo: prochado.ru: UGC

Therefore, before you start creating dishes with spinach, learn the basic rules for its storage and preparation:

  • If you bought spinach in reserve, then put it in a container or wrap it in parchment and store it in the refrigerator on the vegetable shelf.

At room temperature, it will lose its beneficial properties.

  • Spinach dishes for babies should be prepared with dairy products such as milk, cream or butter.

This product contains oxalic acid. It can cause discomfort in the child.

Milk neutralizes the effect of acid, promotes the absorption of vitamins A and E.

  • It is advisable to use fresh leaves.

If you do use frozen spinach, sort through and remove the hard stems.

Only the tender part of the leaves should be used in the baby's diet.

  • Children's spinach takes up to 15 minutes to cook.

If your child has any health problems, please consult your pediatrician before introducing spinach into your diet.

For babies, it is generally recommended to prepare mashed dishes. This condition is optimal for a baby who has not yet erupted teeth.

Here are some dishes you can make:

Spinach mousse

Photo: sunny7. ua: UGC

How to cook this dish? For him, take:

  • spinach - 100 g;
  • butter - 10 g;
  • milk - 100 ml.

To prepare this dish, proceed as follows:

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and put the washed spinach leaves (without stems) into it. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
  2. Whisk the mixture with a blender.
  3. Pour in ½ cup boiled milk, heat until thickened.

Mix of zucchini and spinach

Photo: maggi.ru: UGC

For this puree use:

  • zucchini, spinach - 100 g each;
  • onion - ½ heads;
  • cream or milk - 50 ml;
  • water - 150-200 ml.

Cook like this:

  1. Peel the zucchini and cut into cubes. Put in a saucepan.
  2. Wash the spinach, remove the leaves and add to the courgettes.
  3. Sprinkle finely chopped onions over the vegetables.
  4. Cover the mix with water and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend the vegetables in a blender.
  5. Add milk or cream and simmer for another 5-7 minutes.

You can experiment with this puree: for example, add a little orange to it - carrots, pumpkins. Combine broccoli and spinach, cauliflower and spinach.

Potato-spinach soup

Photo: abedik.ru: UGC

Take for it:

  • potatoes - 1 pc.;
  • spinach - 100 g;
  • butter - 1 tsp;
  • cream - 50 ml;
  • water - 300 ml.

Cooking algorithm is as follows:

  1. Peel potatoes and cut into cubes. Fill with water and boil for 15 minutes.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the spinach. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
  3. Crush the potatoes and add the spinach to them. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes.

Take advantage of these recipes. Dishes on them can be offered to babies from six months.

Remember that spinach should be given to babies no more than 2 times a week.

Do not exceed 100 g of this product per serving.

See also: Milk rice porridge: a recipe for children

Spinach dishes for children from one year old

For older children, offer delicious and appetizing dishes with spinach and a variety of vegetables and protein products - cottage cheese, eggs, chicken fillet.

Spinach goes well with them, it becomes more nutritious because its beneficial properties are activated.

We recommend trying the following dishes:

Spinach Soufflé

Chicken lovers will love this delicious dish. To make it easier for the body to cope with protein foods, add spinach to the chicken.

For the soufflé you will need:

  • chicken fillet - 80 g;
  • spinach - 150 g;
  • egg - 1 pc.;
  • milk - 30 g;
  • butter - 1 tsp.

You can add salt to this dish, but do not oversalt it.

Cook like this:

  1. Boil the chicken fillet in lightly salted water. Take out and grind with a blender or cut into small pieces.
  2. Simmer the spinach in a saucepan with butter. It takes 5-7 minutes to cook it.
  3. Separate the yolk from the protein, mix with minced meat, add spinach to the mixture. Whisk the whites and gently mix with the fillet and spinach.
  4. Grease a mold with butter and place in the soufflé mixture.

Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

Healthy omelette

Photo: recept-duhovka.ru: UGC

Prepare a delicious steamed omelet. For one serving you will need:

  • chicken egg - 1 pc.;
  • milk - 50 ml;
  • spinach - 100 g;
  • butter - 1 tsp.

Add a little salt to the dish.

To get a fluffy, tasty and dietary omelet, do this:

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and put the spinach in it. Simmer in your own juice for 10 minutes.
  2. Beat egg with milk.
  3. Mix egg and milk mixture with cooked spinach.
  4. Brush the bottom and sides of a small pot or saucepan with butter. Pour the omelet mixture into it. Put everything on the steam bath and close the lid.

After 20 minutes, a delicious omelette is ready.

Cottage cheese and spinach casserole

Photo: divomix.com: UGC

For its preparation you will need:

  • spinach - 300 g;
  • cottage cheese - 400 g;
  • eggs - 2 pcs.;
  • butter - 1 tbsp. l.;
  • semolina - 2 tbsp. l.

Salt is optional.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Sauté the spinach in a saucepan. Use butter for this.
  2. Beat cottage cheese with a blender, add eggs.
  3. Mix spinach with cottage cheese, add semolina and mix well.
  4. Grease a mold with oil and pour in the mixture.
  5. Bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.

These simple yet nutritious meals will not only keep your little one full, but also fill their body with healthy vitamins and minerals.

Thanks to the milk components, the properties of spinach will be more effective.

However, do not abuse this product in order not to disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

"Masking" spinach in an omelette and cottage cheese mixture will allow you to feed this product to any picky eater.

See also: How to cook semolina porridge with milk without lumps

Original article: https://www.nur.kz/food/recipes/1734589-spinat-recepty-dla-detej/

Spinach for children - Encyclopedia Baby food

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.

spinach

Spinach 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 crop

Spinach is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and its surrounding areas. 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 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 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 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 children

Spinach 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.

Considered one of the most important vegetables in the world, 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 children

Spinach 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 is 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 children

Spinach 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 is a great 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 to your baby's diet until 12-18 months , with 12 months being the earliest age to introduce spinach into complementary foods.

Research has shown that can increase nitrate levels in spinach 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 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 spinach

Personally, 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 food

Spinach 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 nutrient dense foods, so if you are allergic to it, it is important to find alternative sources of the nutrients found in this product.

  • rugula
  • Roman
    • 9000 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 vegetable

    Spinach 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 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. 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

    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.

    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 pasta

    Spinach contains 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.

    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

    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.

    This green also contains high amounts of vitamin K, which may affect those taking blood thinners. It is important to consult with your doctor here.

    Intended consumption

    Spaghetti spinach

    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.
    • 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 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.

    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 kids

    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

    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.

    How to make baby spinach puree

    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.

    Why not try to mix puree from spinach with:
    • Apple puree
    • Banana puree
    • BLL with carrot puree
    • cheese sauce
    • Pyuore 9000
    • 9000
    • 9000 9000 potatoes
    • Lentil puree
    • Chicken or fish puree

    How to stew spinach

    Brown in butter. This processing gives rise to aromas. Add some liquid - for example, water, broth - and boil until the spinach is cooked. This happens quickly, it should not boil into a mass.

    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 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.

    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.

    Spinach juice or smoothie

    Spinach smoothie

    Can 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 food

    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.

    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.

    Picky Eater and Spinach

    Pizza 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.

    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.

    recipes with spinach

  • apple + spinach + pea puree
  • oats + spinach + purea from avocado
  • puree + cilantro with a cilantro
  • strawberries + spinach + puree of green bow with
  • onions Leek + Asparagus + Spinach Mini Quiche
  • Cabbage + Spinach + Apple
  • Spinach + Cheese Dough
  • Leek + Spinach + Parsley Cheese Pasta (Pasta)
  • Chicken + Spinach Carrot Meatballs
  • Smoothie for babies - blueberry + spinach with flax seeds
Sweet potato puree with spinach and peas - CLICK ME!!! Pasta with mushrooms and spinach - CLICK ME!!! Salmon with pumpkin and spinach - CLICK ME! !!Spinach Cookies - CLICK ON ME!!!

Spinach baby food

spinach pasta

Spinach baby food is presented in the form of colored pasta and crepe soup from Mamako.

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