Ah, babies. They're cute, cuddly and curious little creatures who will try anything that comes their way... except maybe broccoli. That's where pumpkin puree comes in - this delicious vegetable is packed with nutrients and perfect for your baby's tastebuds.
What is pumpkin puree?
Pumpkin puree is the cooked and blended flesh of pumpkins. It's low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants making it a great choice for both starters and adults alike.
Nutritional information
Per 100g serving:
- Calories: 26 kcal
- Fiber: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 8519 IU
- Potassium: 340 mg
Now isn't that impressive? Here we go again proving deep down inside veggies are truly amazing (even if they remind us of Halloween)!
When Can My Baby Start Eating Pumpkin Puree?
As long as you have already introduced other fruits or vegetables to the baby like sweet potato or avocado (which I am guessing they love) then you can start at around six months old. If your baby has not touched off solids before then seeking professional advice would be fantastic.
If your child has any health problems whatsoever such as stomach sensitivities or allergies please ensure to check with an expert beforehand so you don't unintentionally hurt them rather than help them (we definitely wanna steer clear from doing harm here folks!).
How do You Prepare Pumpkin Puree?
I bet most people think one just goes up to a pumpkin field harvests some pumpkins throws them into boiling water blends em'and proceeds to feed the youngins’. Alas! Things aren’t always what we perceive especially when there’s a bub involved; which totally reminds me of an ancient saying “What works for the goose may not necessarily work for GOOO-ERS”.
So, without further ado (I always wanted to use that phrase) let me break down the steps from removing skin to building up taste palates
- Clean the pumpkin thoroughly and peel it with a decent vegetable peeler.
- Divide into chunks and cook for roughly 20 minutes or until tender.
- Puree in a blender/food processor whilst adding boiled water (if necessary) till you get the desired creamy texture.
- Allow cooling before storage or serving
Yaay there goes our perfectly chunk-less pumpkin soup (add croutons if required)!
Why Pumpkin Is Good for Babies
Not every baby will love pumpkins but fear not! Their bodies sure do embrace whatever super powers that come with eating em’. Shall we dive right in?
Baby tummy-friendly
If your baby colic’s often or struggles with general digestion then worry no more, Pumpkins are high fiber vegetables which make them great against constipation giving both mum and bub an easy-going day.
Nutrient rich
Pumpkin puree contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, C ,E ,Folic acid and antioxidants known for reducing cell damage thus ensuring bubs future is off to healthy beginnings (can't wait!)
All natural sweetness
Most people may have fallen into this trap of thinking sugar is life haven considering some ‘healthy’ pouches blatantly lie about being stuffed only with fruit- It doesn’t take rocket science here folks; they definitely didn’t mean just fruits winks (). "Phew" back to pumpkins... their low-sugar content makes them excellent options when trying avoid extra calories consumption by babies who don't quite understand what dieting means yet ;).
Serving Tips and Tricks
Good news! One doesn't need to be Betty Crocker herself to whip up something healthy yet delicious heh ()?
Here are some serving tips to help you create scrumptious pumpkin puree baby food:
Plain Pumpkin Puree
Plain pumpkin purees are ideal when introducing new tastes and textures, keeps things simple yet wholesome for the little one.
Seasoned Pumpkins
When a bit past after introducing plain pumpkinsmtry seasoning it up with cinnamon, apple sauce or ground turkey. Just remember to introduce 1 ingredient at a time so as not to block hunt for allergens in case allergic reactions occur (we don't want that).
Pair It With Other Veggies And Fruits
Nothing quite builds appetite like adding some good ol' variety into play right? Add some pears, sweet potatoes, mangoes, green peas together with your pumpkin and watch those taste buds do backflips.
Conclusion
In conclusion readers’pumpkin is an excellent source of nutrition for young children considering its nutrient profile coupled by taste kids relate well towards. Remember start small/observe aspects if need be speaking of allergies ,monitor how what they take reacts thereafter gradually build on meal plans afterwards noting such food is great against constipation .
Thanks y'all!