Homemade apple puree for 6 month old makes a best food to introduce. How to steam apples for baby to make apple puree helps make this puree easy and healthy to be introduced to baby.
Introducing solid foods to your baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a parent, you want to ensure that your little one gets the right nutrients and is able to digest the food properly. One of the first foods that parents usually introduce to their babies is apples, which are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Steaming apples is a great way to prepare them for your baby’s meals, as it softens the fruit and makes it easy to mash or puree.
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How to steam apples for baby to make apple puree
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam apples for baby:
Step 1: Choose the right apples
It is important to choose the right type of apples for your baby’s first foods. Go for sweet and juicy apples like Gala, Honey-crisp, or Pink Lady. Avoid tart apples like Granny Smith as they may be too sour for your baby’s taste buds. Make sure the apples are ripe but firm to the touch.
Step 2: Wash and peel the apples
Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Peel the skin off using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Removing the skin will help make the apples easier to digest for your baby.
Step 3: Cut the apples into small pieces
Cut the apples into small pieces or slices. Make sure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. You can also remove the core and seeds at this point, as they are not suitable for your baby to eat.
Step 4: Steam the apples
Place the apple pieces in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water does not touch the apples. Cover the pot with a lid and let the apples steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and easily mash-able with a fork. Alternately, steam apples in instant pot for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Mash or puree the apples
Once the apples are steamed, you can mash them with a fork or puree them in a blender or food processor. If the apples are too dry, you can add a little water or breast milk/formula to make them smoother.
Step 6: Serve and store
You can serve the steamed apples as a standalone meal or mix them with other fruits or vegetables to make a tasty puree. Remember to let the apples cool down before serving them to your baby. Any leftover apple puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, steaming apples for your baby is an easy and nutritious way to introduce solid foods into their diet. By following these simple steps, you can prepare a healthy and tasty meal that your baby will love.
Benefits of homemade apple puree
While you can get organic applesauce or apple puree in store, I prefer to make baby apple puree at home. Homemade apple puree has several benefits, including:
- Nutritious: Apples are a rich source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Homemade apple puree contains all the nutrients of apples and can provide essential vitamins and minerals to the body.
- Easy to Digest: Apple puree is easy to digest and can be an ideal food for infants and elderly people who have trouble chewing solid foods.
- Good for Digestive Health: Apples are high in fiber, which can promote digestive health and help prevent constipation.
- Low in Calories: Homemade apple puree is low in calories and can be an excellent snack option for those who are trying to manage their weight.
- Versatile: Apple puree can be used in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, and baked goods.
- No Additives: When you make apple puree at home, you have control over the ingredients, and you can avoid additives like sugar, salt, and preservatives that may be present in store-bought varieties.
Overall, homemade apple puree can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet.
FAQs – Baby Apple puree
How do you steam apples for babies without a steamer?
Steaming apples for babies is a great way to introduce them to solid foods. While a steamer is the easiest and most efficient way to do this, you can still steam apples without a steamer. Here’s how:
- Peel and slice the apples into small pieces. Removing the skin makes it easier to digest for your baby.
- Place the apple slices in a microwave-safe dish and add a little water. Just enough to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave the apples on high for 3-5 minutes, until they are soft and tender. The time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the apples into a puree consistency.
- Let the apples cool to a safe temperature for your baby to eat.
How do you soften apples for babies?
There are a few different ways to soften apples for babies, depending on their age and how you plan to serve the apples. Here are some options:
- Steam the apples: Steaming is a great way to soften apples for babies. If you have a steamer basket or a steamer insert, simply peel and chop the apples into small pieces and steam them for 10-15 minutes, until they are soft enough to mash with a fork or puree in a blender. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a microwave-safe dish and a little bit of water to steam the apples in the microwave (see previous answer).
- Bake the apples: Baking is another way to soften apples for babies. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), peel and chop the apples into small pieces, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are soft and tender. Once the apples are cooled, you can mash or puree them for your baby.
- Boil the apples: Boiling is a quicker way to soften apples, but it can also remove some of the nutrients. If you choose to boil the apples, peel and chop them into small pieces and add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until they are soft and tender. Drain the apples and let them cool before mashing or pureeing them for your baby.
Can babies eat steamed apples?
Yes, babies can eat steamed apples. Steaming is a great way to soften apples for babies, making them easier to digest and reducing the risk of choking. Steamed apples can be mashed or pureed into a smooth consistency for babies who are just starting on solid foods, or cut into small pieces for older babies who are learning to self-feed.
Apples are a nutritious and healthy food for babies, and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. Just be sure to peel the apples before steaming them, as the skin can be tough for babies to digest. Also, always test the temperature of the steamed apples before serving them to your baby, to avoid any risk of burning their mouth.
How do I prepare apples for my baby?
Apples make a great first foods for babies. Here are a few ways you can prepare apples for your baby:
- Applesauce – Homemade applesauce or apple puree for 6 month old makes a great snack or first foods to be introduced to baby. With just 1 ingredient, make this easy applesauce today!
- Applesauce oatmeal – With just 2 ingredients, baby apple puree and oats this makes a great breakfast option for babies and toddlers.
- Apple cinnamon oatmeal – Adding cinnamon to apple oatmeal helps add flavor and great way to introduce spices to baby.
- Applesauce pancakes – Easy 3 ingredient pancakes using baby apple puree makes a good breakfast.
- Apple smoothie – Another easy apple puree recipe with oat milk makes a great smoothie for babies.
Baby Apple Puree
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized apples
- Water
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces.
- Place the apple pieces in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the apples for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are very soft.
- Alternately, you can steam the apples in instant pot for up to 2 minutes
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the apples into a smooth puree. If the puree is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.
- Serve the apple puree warm or chilled.
Notes
- Cinnamon: add a pinch of cinnamon to the apple puree for a delicious flavor.
- Sweetener: if you prefer your apple puree sweeter, you can add a little honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to taste.
- Lemon juice: a splash of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness of the apples and add a little tartness to the puree.