Quinoa - Age for Introduction to Baby:
8-10 Months
The Goodness of Quinoa:
Quinoa has been grown in South America for more than 5,000 years both in and around the Andes Mountains. Did you know that the Incas called Quinoa 'the Mother Grain'? The Incas gave quinoa this name as eating the grain was said to be responsible for longevity. Quinoa is becoming a popular grain in North America however the sweetest and most flavourful quinoa is that grown in South America. Quinoa is packed with fiber, calcium, iron and folate to name a few of it's nutrients!
Quinoa (1 cup cooked)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 0 IU
Vitamin C - 0 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .33 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .67 mg
Niacin - 4.98 mg
Folate - 83 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 1258 mg
Phosphorus - 697 mg
Magnesium - 357 mg
Calcium - 102 mg
Sodium - 36 mg
Iron - 15 mg
Also contains small amounts of manganese, copper and zinc.
PROTEIN:
Protein - 22.27 g
When can I introduce Quinoa to my baby?
Homemade Quinoa cereal is able to be introduced to baby from 8 months of age. As with all other foods, you should always consult your pediatrician when introducing solids as generalities may not apply to your baby.
How to select and store Quinoa for baby food
You may purchase quinoa as a whole grain, in flakes, and even as a flour! Whole grain Quinoa may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. Most packaged quinoa will have a "best if used by" date on the package as well. Quinoa should be stored in an air tight
container and preferably in your refrigerator due to it;s high fatty acid content. You can store quinoa n a cool dry place however ensure that you check on the status of the grain if you use them infrequently!
Again, we state that since these are whole grains and whole grain milled "flours", the natural oils that come from the grain may become rancid without refrigeration or storage in a cool dry place. When purchasing any type of milled whole grain, it's always best to buy smaller quantities to ensure that your whole grains are used prior to them going rancid.
The same "rules" apply for to rice powder or oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.
The best way to cook Quinoa for Baby Food
When cooking ground quinoa "powder" for homemade baby cereal, use about 1/4 cup of powder per 1-2 cups of water - more or less as you see fit. The key is to whisk whisk whisk as you are cooking to avoid clumping!
As with millet, you may cook quinoa like rice and eat it as a replacement for rice. It will take about 10-20 minutes to cook and it will plump up nicely! Use 1 cup of quinoa grain per 2 cups of water. Quinoa will add texture to casseroles, pilafs, soups and stews. You can also add quinoa flakes to baked goods and even use the flour to create baked goods. Please keep in mind that quinoa is gluten free so do not expect a quinoa baked good to be of the same light and fluffy texture as bread for example.
Quinoa, like millet, will expand much like rice so a good rule of thumb is 1 cup of quinoa per 2-3 cups of water.
Add pureed fruits and vegetables to baby's homemade quinoa cereal - ensure that you have followed the 4 day wait rule!
A Few Quinoa Baby Food Recipes:
Whole Grain Quinoa Baby Cereal
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil
Add 1 cup of quinoa
Cover the pot, reduce heat and simmer approximately 15 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed. Let stand for five minutes and then "fluff" a bit.
You may add spices such as cinnamon, ginger and vanilla, and also fruits, veggies and/or other foods that are age appropriate for your baby!
Quinoa & Peas Pilaf
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup of your favorite chicken, vegetable or beef stock
Peas
In medium saucepan, combine ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes - please watch this closely so that the quinoa is not reduced to a pastey thickness! We have not had luck with cooking whole grain quinoa in stock - this may be due to the ingredients in the stock; feel free to contact us if you have had success!
Quinoa Stir-Fry
1 cup cooked quinoa (not pureed!)
soft cooked apples- diced
soft cooked yellow squash - diced
soft cooked sweet potato
1. Toss all ingredients together in a pan with warmed olive oil
2. Saute and scramble then serve warm
3. Optional: scramble in an egg yolk or 2 for a protein and iron boost!
Foods Good to Mix With Quinoa:
Fruits, vegetables, yogurt and meats are all good foods to add and mix with barley homemade baby cereals!
Try cooking Quinoa in a Homemade Veggie, Chicken or Beef Stock!
Don't forget the spices. Quinoa is often best when herbs and spices are added - you may mint, garlic powder or onion powder or even cinnamon, ginger, et al
