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The Goodness of Summer Squash for your Baby
Summer squash can be wonderful for baby and easy to turn into baby food recipes. While it contains less nutrients than do the Winter squash, it’s still a great vegetable for baby food.
Why are there less nutrients in summer squash varieties? There are less nutrients due to the fact that Summer squash are immature when they are harvested and eaten. Below you will find a nutritional summary accounting for all summer squash varieties below:
Summer/Zucchini Squash (1/2 cup boiled & drained with peel)
VITAMINS: Vitamin C – 5.5 mg Pantothenic Acid – .3 mg Niacin – .05 mg Riboflavin – .04 mg Thiamine – .04 mg Folate – 20 mcg Contains some other vitamins in small amounts. | MINERALS: Phosphorus – 48 mg Magnesium – 26 mg Calcium – 16 mg Sodium – 287 mg Iron – .42 mg Also contains small amounts of selenium, copper, manganese and other. |
When can I introduce Zucchini & Yellow Squash to my baby?
Many parents want to know when baby can eat zucchini and other yummy summer squashes. Summer squash is best given to baby around 8 months old as the skins may be difficult for a younger tummy to digest. There are many babies who may do just fine with this variety of squash however if your little one is prone to digestive upsets, then it might not be wise to introduce before 8 months old.
How to select and store Zucchini & Yellow Squash for baby food
Summer Squash are not known to be contaminated with high levels of pesticides so purchasing organic is your choice. Please do be sure to thoroughly wash these summer squashes if you will preparing them with the skin on.
The skin of summer squash is thin and delicate. This causes summer squash to be less hearty for storing. Handling summer squash with care is necessary so as not to bruise the squash. summer squash may be stored in the refrigerator, unwashed as water droplets may cause tiny spots of decomposition. Store your summer squash in the crisper box of the refrigerator.
Some varieties of summer squash are as follows however the Zucchini and Yellow are the best choices for baby’s first summer squash experience.
Zucchini: Some may know zucchini to be called Italian squash and in Europe, it may be know as a Courgette. Zucchini resembles a cucumber and is green as a cucumber is. It should be between six and eight inches for best taste. The meat of zucchini is whitish-yellow or may appear a pale green.
Yellow or Crooked Neck: This squash is yellow and may be a bit bumpy looking. It is shaped much like a bottle with a long, curved neck. The meat of the Yellow squash is much like that of the zucchini but contains moreseeds.
The best way to cook Zucchini & Yellow Squash Squash
You may steam or boil summer squash. Sauteing zucchini and yellow squash together in a wee bit of olive oil with spices is also quite yummy for baby.The best way to cook Zucchini & Yellow Squash Squash
The color of the Summer Squash will change when it is done cooking; it will appear more translucent and less colorful.
A Few Zucchini & Yellow Squash Squash Baby Food Recipes
Squash (summer) Puree – Basic
Step 1:Choose yellow squash or zucchini that are somewhat small in diameter, as these are the most tender.
Step 2:Wash squash thoroughly and cut into small slices or chunks. Do not remove skins. (*You may remove skins however an infant of 7-8 months old should be able to digest squash puree with skins on)
Step 3:Steam until tender then Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
Step 4:Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency
**Summer squash becomes very watery when cooked; you will probably not need to add any water for your older baby.**
Yellow & Green Squash Medley
Step 1:Boil or steam or zucchini and yellow squash until tender
Step 2:Puree or mash as needed, adding water to thin if required.
**Summer squash becomes very watery when cooked; you will probably not need to add any water for your older baby.**
Summer Squash & Pasta Medley
(8 months + due to cheese & peppers which are optional)
Step 1:Boil or steam or zucchini and yellow squash until tender
Step 2:Prepare pasta such as Pastina or Ditalini according to package directions
Step 3:Add squash to the cooked pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with grated cheese and/or basil and garlic powder
**Toss in some finely diced roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor temptation.**
Zucchini & Carrot Fritters
Best for those 8 months of age and over. Exchange the cayenne with a bit of garlic powder if desired. Make a cucumber yogurt dip.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium carrot (peeled)
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 small onion
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese – *Skip ricotta and sub in 1/3 cup of milk if you prefer
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour (whole wheat or all purpose)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- olive or canola oil spray
Directions:
Step 1:Wash vegetables.
Step 2:Grate carrot and zucchini and chop the onion.
Step 3:Mix vegetables, ricotta cheese (or milk), egg, flour and pepper.
Step 4:Lightly spray non-stick fry pan with oil spray and warm pan on medium heat
Step 5:Place large spoonfuls in fry pan, flatten and cook for 7 minutes or until golden.
Step 6:Turn to other side and cook a further 7 minutes or until golden. Serve with cucumber yogurt dip
Step7:Cut the fritters into pieces that your baby will be able to handle.
You could also bake these at 375 F, on a lightly olive oiled baking sheet for approx 20-25 minutes.
Turn half way through cooking and be sure to check on the progress often to avoid burning.
Foods Good to Mix With Summer Squash
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
- Pasta
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
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.
