According to a recent national survey of pediatric health professionals, apple puree is most often recommended as the first fruit for infants. Now you know why you can trust apples to be your babies first weaning food.
According to a Cornell University researchers reported in the journal Nature in 2000, one apple packs more cancer-fighting antioxidant capability than a 1,500-milligram dose of vitamin C. Research has also proved that apples are a rich source of antioxidants.
Apple Puree Recipe for your Infant
Age – 4 months – 6 months
Preparation Time – 2 minutes
Cooking Time – 6-8 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple, peeled and grated
- 1 or 2 teaspoon jaggery (gur), optional
Method
Step 1: 1 apple, peeled, chopped
Step 2: ¾ cup of water boiled in a pan.
Step 3: Add it to the apples and jaggery and keep aside for 6-8 minutes
Step 4: Strain it to obtain the punch. Serve lukewarm
Why Apple should be the first fruit for infants?
- Apple has a mild laxative effect that may help provide relief from constipation commonly experienced by little ones.
- Apple juice fortified with vitamin C may help children absorb more iron, an important nutrient for growth and development. (http://www.appleproducts.org/qanda.html)
- Apple is easily accepted and pleasing to infants
- Since babies love the sweet taste of apple, it may help motivate them to use a cup and accept new tastes and foods
- Apple is one fruit babies have trouble digesting in its raw form till they are 6 months old. So, apple puree is a wonderful way of introducing apples to your’s baby diet. As your little one grows older, apples can be stewed in lesser water to make a puree and served.
