When my daughter first started eating solid foods at six months, avocado was the second food that I introduced. When my son turned six months old back in April, I also introduced him to avocado a few days after his first sweet potatoes. Avocados are very low in cholesterol and sodium. The green fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, protein, and healthy monounsaturated fat. Hopefully my son will love avocado — and subsequently guacamole — as much as the rest of the family!
To make my homemade baby food, I started with two organic avocados and some fluoride-free baby water. I washed, peeled, and pitted the avocados and then combined the fruit in a glass bowl with some water. To prevent browning and kill any pathogens, I cooked the mixture for two minutes in my microwave. After allowing the cooked avocado to cool slightly, I added some more water to the bowl and then mashed the mixture into a thin puree. (For older babies, use less water for a thicker mash.) Once puréed, I spooned the avocado into freezer containers and ice cube trays for easier freezing. After the baby food froze, I moved the frozen cubes into freezer safe baggies for easier storage. Now as my son needs baby food, I simply thaw a few cubes in the refrigerator or microwave.
Does your child like avocado? Do you make your own baby food? For a fun food combination, try carrots and avocado.
Image Credits
Baby Water and Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Peeling the Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Cooked Organic Avocados © 2015 Heather Johnson
Mashing the Cooked Organic Avocado with Water © 2015 Heather Johnson
Homemade Avocado Baby Food in Silicone Ice Cube Trays © 2015 Heather Johnson