Apricots Age for Introduction to Baby: 6-8 Months Old
The Goodness of Apricots: (one apricot - 35 grams)
Apricots are high in Beta Carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C and Lycopene. Just 3 apricots contain approximately 30 % of the USRDA for Vitamin A! This combination of nutrients is one of the best defenses against heart disease and some cancers!
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 674 IU
Vitamin C - 3.5 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .04 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .01 mg
Niacin - .21 mg
Folate - 3 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 91 mg
Phosphorus - 8 mg
Magnesium - 4 mg
Calcium - 5 mg
Sodium - 0 mg
Iron - .14 mg
Also contains small amounts of manganese, copper and zinc.
When can I introduce Apricot Baby Food Recipes to my baby?
Apricots are another good source of nutrition for baby! As with several other fruits, you may typically introduce them anywhere from 6 months old and older. If you will be using Dried Apricots, try to find those that do not contain sulphurs such as sulphur dioxide. Some people are allergic to sulphurs and sulphurs tend to be high in sodium.
How to select and store Apricots for baby food
Look for plump, fairly firm apricots with an orange-yellow to orange color. Fully ripe apricots are soft to the touch, juicy and should be eaten as soon as
possible. Keep apricots cool to prevent over ripening. Store ripe apricots in the
refrigerator where they may keep for up to a week. You may place hard apricots in a paper bag and let ripen for a day or two but keep in mind that apricots have are a greenish color will not ripen! To freeze fresh apricots, simply half the fruit and place on baking sheet
until frozen. Then pack in a plastic freezer bag.
The best way to cook Apricots for baby food
You may bake apricots by halving, pitting and then placing in a shallow baking dish with water. This method brings out their natural sweetness and also helps retain nutrients!
You may also steam or boil apricots using a blanching method - add apricots to boiling water for a few minutes then take them out, run cool water over them and slip the skins off; you will still need to pit them.
Basic Apricot Baby Food Recipes:
Apricot Baby Food Recipes - Apricot Puree
6-8 months+
(using dried apricots)
1. 1 pound dried apricots
2. 2 c. white grape juice or apple juice (plain water is ok but the puree may be a bit bitter-consider using ½ water or ½ juice is you disagree with the juices or if baby cannot have juice)
3. Bring juice (or water or the combo) and fruit to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Reserve any left over liquid to use for the puree
5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
6. Add the reserved liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree or
7. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up
NOTE: puree will not freeze solid, but into slightly soft/slightly frozen cubes.
Apricot Puree 6-8 months+
(using Fresh Apricots is best!)
Halve the fruit and remove pit, place "open" side down in a pan filled with 1 inch of water, bake at 400F until soft and tender or puckering of the skin appears.
or
Halve the fruit, remove pit and steam in an open pan of water until soft and tender - remove skins
or
11. Drop whole, cleansed fruits into a pan of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until fruits are soft
12. Place fruits into a bowl of cold water and slip off the skins then cut and pit the fruit
13. Follow Steps 4 through 7
Apricot Cereal
Add pureed apricots to baby's homemade rice, oatmeal or barley cereal
Chicken and Rice with Apricots 8 months+
1/2 cup (Brown/or Jasmine) Rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup apricots - sliced into small dices or slivers
1 boneless chicken breast
1. Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until rice is soft, fragrant and a bit soupy.
3. Take out the chicken breast and cut into small pieces, transfer back to saucepan
3. Add more water if needed and stir frequently to stop sticking to the pot and add more milk or water if necessary.
4. Cook an additional 15 minutes
Once the mixture is fully cooked, allow to cool for 10 minutes and then transfer to a blender or food processor. Puree or chop as needed for your baby's age and texture requirements. This makes a great finger food meal for older babies and toddlers alike!
Apricot Purée - Substitute for Oil in Cooking
Apricot purée is on the rise as the new substitute for oil or
water in many high-calorie, high-fat recipes.
Simply purée canned apricots in a blender or food processor until smooth. Unlike prunes (which can darken some baked goods) or applesauce (which may cause recipes to be watered down), apricot purée reduces the fat content and adds a touch of added flavor. From http://www.apricotproducers.com
Foods Good to Mix With Apricots:
Rice, Oatmeal, Barley and Mixed Grain Homemade Baby Cereals
Bananas
Avocado
Blueberries
Pears
Peaches
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)
Chicken
Beef
Yogurt
Visit our Combinations page to see more Homemade Baby Food Combination Ideas
Resources and Learning More:
California Apricot Council
Apricot - Horticultural Info. Southern Australian Research & Development Institute
apricotproducers.com
WholeHealthMD - Apricots
