Eggplant for Baby Food - Age for Introduction to Baby:
8-10 Months
The Goodness of Eggplant:
Eggplants contain fiber, a very important part of any diet as fiber helps maintain bowel regularity. The eggplant also contains a good amount of Vitamin A and Folate.
EGGPLANT (1 cup - steamed)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 37 IU
Vitamin C - 1.3 mg
Niacin - .5 mg
Folate - 14 mcg
Thiamine - .07 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .8 mg
Vitamin K - 2.9 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts
MINERALS
Potassium - 122 mg
Sodium - 1 mg
Calcium - 6 mg
Phosphorus - 15 mg
Magnesium - 11 mg
Iron - .25 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.
When can I introduce Eggplant / Aubergine to my baby?
Eggplant is best given to an infant between 8-10 months old. If your baby has had any digestive issues, it would be best to introduce eggplant without the skins. You can offer pureed eggplant or steamed eggplant as a finger food! Eggplant is versatile and may be mixed with a variety of other foods
How to select the perfect Eggplant / Aubergine for baby food
Eggplants should be firm and a bit heavy. Choose only those eggplants that have smooth and shiny skin. The color, no matter which color you purchase, should be very vivid. An eggplant that is discolored or has scars and bruises is not a good choice. These blemishes may indicate that the flesh of the eggplant is damaged or even decaying.
Store eggplant carefully in the refrigerator; eggplants are a delicate vegetable! For longer storage, only cut the eggplant when you are ready to cook or otherwise use it!
The best way to cook eggplant / aubergine
When cooking eggplant, you may either steam, fry, or bake it. Steaming it may be the best method if you plan on serving eggplant to your baby. Steamed eggplant tends to become very soft and tender (and sometimes mushy) so it makes a great finger food too!
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A Few Eggplant / Aubergine Baby Food Recipes:
Eggplant- Basic Purée
1. Wash and peel eggplant. Deseed as needed
2. Cut into 1 inch pieces and steam until tender and mushy.
3. OR slice eggplant in quarters and bake in a 375 degree oven for approx. 30 minutes or until tender.
4. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
5. Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency
Eggplant & Cheese
1. Slice eggplant in quarters and bake in a 375 degree oven for approx. 30 minutes or until tender. .
2. Sprinkle on grated cheese or take eggplant out of oven after 25 minutes and top slices with cheese, return to oven
3. Chop or dice for finger food
Eggplant Sauté
1 eggplant
2 tblsp olive oil
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil
1. Peel and dice eggplant
2. Saute onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
3. Add spices
4. Drain any remaining olive oil if desired
5. Serve alone or over noodles
Foods Good to Mix With Eggplant:
Green Beans
Summer Squash - zucchini or yellow/crooked necked
Brown Rice
Lentils
Pasta
