Strawberry Puree For Baby + Combination Ideas

Wondering how to make strawberry puree for baby? It’s simpler than you might think! Strawberry puree is a healthy and delicious first baby food that babies 6 months and up can enjoy. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make strawberry puree for baby, whether its cooked or raw, as well as some of the best strawberry puree combination ideas.

Related: Strawberries For Baby Led Weaning (How To Cut/Serve)

How to Make Strawberry Puree for Baby (Stage 1)

Here is how to make homemade strawberry puree for a 6 month old baby:

1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly under running water. Pat dry.
2. Cut off the stem and leaves of the strawberry.
3. Blend: Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor to the desired consistency. There is no need to add liquid for blending, strawberries are naturally full of juice. But you can add breast milk or formula to the puree if you like.

Strawberry Puree Combination Ideas (Stage 2 & 3)

Here are some delicious strawberry baby food combinations to try:

• Strawberry and Peach Puree: This classic combo is sure to be a hit with your little one. Simply add a ripe peach to strawberry puree and blend until smooth.
• Apple and Strawberry Puree: For a slightly tart flavor, add an apple to your diced strawberries and blend.
• Strawberry and Mango Puree : For a tropical twist, add mango to strawberry puree. You can also mix in a little bit of pineapple for an extra delicious flavor!
• Banana, Strawberry and Avocado Puree: For a nutrient-rich baby food with monounsaturated fat, combine strawberries, banana and avocado.
• Strawberry, Carrot and Pear Puree: Simply add cooked carrots and pear to your strawberry puree and blend until smooth.
• Strawberry and Yogurt (or a dairy free yogurt) Puree: for a creamy strawberry baby food recipe.
• Oatmeal (Or Other Cereal) And Strawberry Puree: For a heartier baby food, add cooked oatmeal to your strawberries and blend into puree.
• Add leafy greens (or other green veggies like broccoli and zucchini) for making a more nutritious strawberry puree mixture.
• An easier, shorter prep time: serve freshly mashed strawberries for more experienced eaters.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to strawberry puree combinations. Get creative and see what your little one enjoys the most!

Fresh Or Frozen Strawberries + Essential Tips

• If using fresh strawberries, make sure they are ripe. Ripe strawberries will be red all over and smell sweet. You don’t need to strain of your blender is powerful enough, it will dissolves the seeds as well.
• If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw completely before pureeing. You can do this by leaving them out on the counter for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. If you want to use frozen strawberries right away, you’ll need liquid for blending.
• Use organic strawberries for babies: In a recent study evaluating the allergenicity of strawberries related to the farming practices, it was concluded that the strawberries from the organic farms were the safest because they contained the lowest levels of compounds responsible for causing allergic reactions) in comparison with the fruits from the conventional systems. Moreover, organically produced strawberries contain more bioactive compounds and antioxidants compared to conventional strawberries from grocery stores. Also is important to note that organic strawberries are produced with very strict rules regarding the use of artificial, harmful substances or genetic modification.

Cooked Strawberry Puree Or Raw/Fresh, Which is More Nutritious?

You can cook strawberry puree before giving it to your baby or leave it raw. From nutritional point of view, raw fresh strawberry puree is much more superior that cooked strawberry puree. The high temperature will considerably reduce the strawberry’s nutrient content.

Water soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and anthocyanin pigments (antioxidant) will dramatically degrade during thermal processing of strawberries. When you see the strawberry loosing its bright red color, that’s the sign that it has lost most of it’s nutritional properties.

That’s why some kids that can’t tolerate raw strawberries usually will have no reaction when served cooked strawberries, because the ascorbic acid content was considerably reduced after cooking.

If you’re going to cook strawberries, lightly steam them until they are soft but with a deep red color. Less contact with water (steamed) equals more nutrients preserved. Simmering is the least beneficial method of cooking the strawberry puree.

Storing And Serving The Puree

• When strawberry season is in full swing, take advantage of the abundance of fresh berries and make a big batch of strawberry puree to store in your freezer. That way you’ll have it on hand for those times when you need a quick and healthy baby food option.
• The strawberry puree can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
• Freeze for longer storage in a portioned freezer tray (just like an ice cube) for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the strawberry puree in the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, place it in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes.
• To avoid waste, only make strawberry puree as much as you need. If your baby doesn’t eat it all, don’t re-freeze it, just add it to other foods.

As stage 1 baby food, strawberry puree is best served straight up with a spoon. When your baby moves into stage 2 and 3 foods you can make puree mixtures with other foods (see combinations above).

More Baby Food Puree Recipes

• Mango Puree for Baby By Age: Combinations, Benefits & Tips
• Carrot Puree For Babies By Stage + Combination Ideas
• Cauliflower Puree For Baby + Combinations
• Broccoli Puree For Baby By Stage + Combinations
• Baby Food With Prunes + Combinations
• Avocado Baby Food Ideas + Combinations

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