Winter Fruits and Vegetables Perfect to Puree for Homemade Baby Food
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Introducing your infant to new foods is always interesting because you don’t know what they are going to love or hate. Your baby will enjoy both sweet and savory foods at a young age, so don’t be afraid to add winter fruits and vegetables that you and the rest of the family enjoy to your baby’s diet. The key is adding new vegetables and fruits, to pureed food you already know they enjoy in increasing amounts, and then feeding them each food independently.
Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is a great way to stay on budget and still eat fresh. Try adding these winter vegetables and fruits to your baby’s diet.
Sweet Potato – Sweet potatoes are piled up high at the fresh grocer this time of year. Packed with fiber and vitamins B, A, C and E, they’re a very healthy choice. Also, sweet potato puree pairs well with apple and butter.
Pumpkin – The fall harvest consisted mainly of pumpkins, so if you can still find some fresh right now, grab one. Try pureeing pumpkin with pear and carrots, (which are also in season right now) to create a sweet blend.
Butternut Squash – Long overlooked, butternut squash is now a huge hit in kitchens everywhere. Pureeing butternut squash is easy once it has been fully baked. If your baby has already been introduced to peas, try adding a couple tablespoons of butternut squash to each serving.
Broccoli – Broccoli crowns are being harvested this time of year and can be made into a sweet or savory puree depending on what you already have available, like carrots and cabbage. To serve alone add a little butter to the puree.
Pears – Pears are plentiful during the cold winter months and can liven up a lot of vegetable and fruit purees, or can be used alone. Try different combinations like pears and carrots, pears and zucchini, or pears and peas.
Oranges – Winter months are when citrus fruits taste the best so juice an orange to add to purees for your baby. Oranges pair well with other winter fruits like sweet potato and pumpkin.
To easily make your own homemade baby food, you’ll need a few key items on hand. First, you’ll need a food processor or a blender. Look for something like the Baby Bullet that has just about everything you need to get started. You will also need feeding bowls and utensils. When you’re preparing baby food, keep in mind that you can mix many purees with breastmilk to thin them out for early eaters learning to transition to solid foods. Or, try a nibbler which allows you to add whole chunks of fruits or vegetables to a safe teething pouch so your little one can try to feed themselves while enjoying juice from the fresh fruits.
Walmart is a one-stop shop for everything you need to feed your baby. Head back to the baby section to pick up sippy cups, bowls, spoons, a Baby Bullet, and other accessories. Walmart supercenter locations offer fresh produce as well!
