Can Babies Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are blue or purple – colored fruits, belonging to the Vaccinium family along with cranberries, bilberries, huckleberries and the Madeira blueberries. Blueberries are cultivated worldwide, but they have their origins in North America. The fruit itself is a berry of 5-16mm in diameter, having a flared crown at the end. Blueberries are initially pale greenish, turning reddish- purple and when ripe, of dark purple color. They have a sweet taste once they are ripe, but with different acidity.
Blueberries are considered to be superfood, and are highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists. Blueberries contain iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium, zink, vitamin C and vitamin K, which all contribute to the health of your bones. They are excellent in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, managing diabetes, although they have a moderate amount of sugar, they do not influence blood sugar levels in a negative way, thanks to their high content of bioactive compounds. They are also anti-inflammatory and help digestion, and are recommended for weight loss.
Can Babies Eat Blueberries Whole?
Fruit seeds usually are not healthy for babies, but blueberries do not fall under this rule, and they can be given to babies starting at the age of 7 months. They should be offered to babies cut in half, until they are able to chew foods completely.
Blueberries are recommended to be fed to babies pureed. They can be processed in a blender until smooth. Once you baby is 10 months old or older, it is enough to mash blueberries with a potato masher.
Apple, Pear and Blueberry Puree (for babies starting from 6 months)
Ingredients: 1 small apple, ½ pear, both peeled, cored and diced, ½ cup fresh blueberries. After removing stems from the blueberries, put the ingredients in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer for 5 minutes, until the fruits are tender. Transfer the drained ingredients to a blender and puree them to the wanted consistency, add the reserved cooking liquid to thin the puree, if it is necessary.
FAQ
What is blueberries?
Blueberries are blue or purple – colored fruits.
How healthy is blueberries?
Blueberries are considered superfoods, and are highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists.
When can you start giving blueberries to your baby?
Blueberries can be introduced into your baby’s diet starting at the age of 7 months.
The risks of giving blueberries to your baby?
Blueberries represent a choking hazard, so they must be cut in half, until your baby learns to chew food.
