Can Babies Eat Zucchini

Can Babies Eat Zucchini?

Zucchini, also known as courgette, marrow or baby marrow is a type of summer squash. It has its origins in the Americas. It became popular in Italian cuisine in the second half of the 19th century. Botanically speaking, zucchini is a fruit, but in cuisine it is considered to be a vegetable.

Zucchinis are usually picked when they are still immature, smaller than 20cm and when their seeds are sill soft. They are mostly served cooked: steamed, boiled, barbecued, fried, grilled or stuffed and baked. In Italy a famous dish is called fiori di zucca, which is made from the flowers of zucchinis, deep fried. In Bulgaria zucchinis are fried and served accompanied with a yogurt, garlic and dill dip. The key ingredient in the French ratatouille is zucchini.

Zucchinis are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, and they also have vitamin A, magnesium and iron.

Can Babies Eat Zucchini Skin & Seeds?

Zucchini has its boost of vitamins and nutrients especially in its skin, so it is not recommended to peel zucchinis, especially if you want to give them to your baby. Cooking zucchinis turns their skin soft and easy for babies’ tummies to digest them. Another concern would be the zucchini’s seeds. Parents are skeptical in introducing zucchinis into the diet of their babies, because seeds are usually harmful. This is not the case of zucchini seeds, which are tender and easy to blend for baby food. The only trick is to buy smaller zucchinis, because large ones tend to have harder seeds.

Can Babies Eat Raw Zucchini?

Zucchini can be introduced into a baby’s diet starting at the age of 6 months old, but in a cooked form. Raw zucchini can be tasty and it could be a healthy snack, but because of its texture it might be a choking hazard, especially for babies, who cannot properly chew food.

Zucchini & Pea Pasta Recipe

Ingredients: 1 tsp unsalted butter, ¼ cup of grated zucchini, ¼ cup of frozen peas, ¼ cup of grated cheese, 1 cup of cooked wholemeal pasta spirals.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan, put in the grated zucchini and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the peas and cook until warm. Add the pasta to the saucepan and stir through the cheese. Once it is melted, remove from the heat and let it cool enough for the cheese to bind it all together. Mash he mixture and serve to your baby.

FAQ

What is zucchini?

Zucchini is a type of summer squash originating from the Americas.

How healthy is zucchini?

Zucchini is a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

When can you start giving zucchini to your baby?

You can start giving zucchini to your baby at the age of 6 months old, once your baby starts eating solid food.

The risks of giving zucchini to your baby?

Zucchini can be a choking hazard, so you should cook it first.

Have U Tried?Activia Have U Tried?Ham