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2-4 medium-sized apples: Choose organic apples if possible to avoid pesticides and other chemicals, as they are often recommended for baby food. The number of apples you use will depend on how much purée you want to make.
1/4 cup (60 ml) water: Adjust this amount based on the consistency you prefer for the purée. Use more water for a thinner purée or less for a thicker one.
Wash the Apples: Start by thoroughly rinsing the apples under cold running water. This step removes any dirt, pesticides, or residues on the apple’s skin, even if you are peeling them.
Peel the Apples: Use a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife to carefully remove the skins. While the skin contains fibre, it can be tough for babies to digest, so it’s best to peel them for a smoother purée. This also helps avoid any potential choking hazards.
Core the Apples: Cut the apples into quarters. Remove the core, seeds, and stems, as these parts are not edible and could pose a choking risk for babies.
Chop the Apples: Slice the apple quarters into smaller, uniform chunks. Smaller pieces cook more quickly and evenly, making the purée smoother.
Cook: You have two options for cooking the apples: steaming or boiling.
Steaming: Place the apple chunks in a steaming basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
Boiling: Alternatively, place the apple chunks directly into a small pot with water (just enough to cover the apples). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
Check for Doneness: The apples should be tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. They should be soft and almost fall apart when touched. This ensures that they are easy to blend into a smooth purée.
Mash by Hand (Optional): If you prefer a chunkier texture, especially for older babies who are ready for more texture in their food, you can mash the cooked apples with a fork or potato masher. This method gives you more control over the consistency, leaving some small pieces for added texture.
Blend: For a smoother purée, which is ideal for younger babies just starting on solids, transfer the cooked apple chunks to a baby blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot or bowl for convenience. Blend until the purée reaches your desired consistency.
Thin if Necessary: After blending, check the consistency of the purée. If it’s too thick for your baby’s current stage of eating, you can thin it out. Add a little more water, breast milk, or formula gradually until the purée reaches the right consistency. This makes it easier for babies to swallow and helps them transition to solid foods smoothly.
Choose Ripe Apples: Use ripe apples for the best flavour and natural sweetness. They will be easier to cook and blend into a smooth purée.
Peel and Core Thoroughly: Peel the apples to avoid any tough or potentially irritating skin, and make sure to remove the core and seeds to prevent any choking hazards.
Cut Apples into Even Chunks: Chop the apples into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. This helps achieve a smooth consistency in the purée.
Cook Until Very Soft: Cook the apples until they are very soft and easily mashable. This ensures they blend smoothly and the purée has the right texture.
Blend Thoroughly: Use a blender or food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Adjust Consistency Gradually: If the purée is too thick, gradually add a small amount of water, breast milk, or formula until you reach the desired consistency. This helps tailor the purée to your baby’s eating stage.
Cool Before Storing: Allow the purée to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation and helps maintain its texture.
This apple purée is a versatile and enjoyable food for babies. Here’s how it can be served:
Breakfast: Serve it in the morning as a nutritious start to the day. Pairing it with a small amount of rice cereal or oatmeal can create a balanced meal.
Snacks: It makes for a great mid-day snack, providing a healthy and satisfying option between meals.
Dinner: It can also be offered at dinner, either alone or mixed with other purees or soft foods as part of a varied meal.
Starting Solids: Begin with a small amount, about 1-2 teaspoons, and gradually increase the quantity as your baby gets used to the texture and taste.
Mix with Other Foods: As your baby becomes accustomed to apple purée, you can mix it with other purées like carrot puree, sweet potato purée , or pear pure.
Safety Tip: Always ensure the purée is at a safe temperature before feeding it to your baby.
Note: When introducing solids, it’s recommended to introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another to monitor for any allergic reactions.
Cool: Allow the purée to cool to room temperature before serving.
Store: Transfer the purée to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the purée in ice cube trays or small containers. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months.
Suitable for : Six months and older
Approximate Nutrition (per ½ cup serving):
2-4 medium-sized apples: Choose organic apples if possible to avoid pesticides and other chemicals, as they are often recommended for baby food. The number of apples you use will depend on how much purée you want to make.
1/4 cup (60 ml) water: Adjust this amount based on the consistency you prefer for the purée. Use more water for a thinner purée or less for a thicker one.
Wash the Apples: Start by thoroughly rinsing the apples under cold running water. This step removes any dirt, pesticides, or residues on the apple’s skin, even if you are peeling them.
Peel the Apples: Use a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife to carefully remove the skins. While the skin contains fibre, it can be tough for babies to digest, so it’s best to peel them for a smoother purée. This also helps avoid any potential choking hazards.
Core the Apples: Cut the apples into quarters. Remove the core, seeds, and stems, as these parts are not edible and could pose a choking risk for babies.
Chop the Apples: Slice the apple quarters into smaller, uniform chunks. Smaller pieces cook more quickly and evenly, making the purée smoother.
Cook: You have two options for cooking the apples: steaming or boiling.
Steaming: Place the apple chunks in a steaming basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
Boiling: Alternatively, place the apple chunks directly into a small pot with water (just enough to cover the apples). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
Check for Doneness: The apples should be tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. They should be soft and almost fall apart when touched. This ensures that they are easy to blend into a smooth purée.
Mash by Hand (Optional): If you prefer a chunkier texture, especially for older babies who are ready for more texture in their food, you can mash the cooked apples with a fork or potato masher. This method gives you more control over the consistency, leaving some small pieces for added texture.
Blend: For a smoother purée, which is ideal for younger babies just starting on solids, transfer the cooked apple chunks to a baby blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot or bowl for convenience. Blend until the purée reaches your desired consistency.
Thin if Necessary: After blending, check the consistency of the purée. If it’s too thick for your baby’s current stage of eating, you can thin it out. Add a little more water, breast milk, or formula gradually until the purée reaches the right consistency. This makes it easier for babies to swallow and helps them transition to solid foods smoothly.
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