Pumpkin puree is not only perfect during the holidays or to complement the mood for a savory weekend dinner with friends. But, it also makes an ideal nutritional food for your baby. But not all moms are familiar with the benefits of pumpkin puree for their babies. Some might even ask, what is pumpkin puree? Read on to know what is pumpkin puree, its nutritional benefits for your kids, and simple steps on how to make it.
What is Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree is a cooked pumpkin that is mashed in a food processor to create a smooth paste. This orange ingredient can be roasted, baked, sautéed, boiled, or steamed. Various cooking techniques will change the flavor of the puree. For instance, the roast method uses high heat and Maillard browning to reduce moisture in the puree.
Benefits of Pumpkin
Aside from learning what is pumpkin puree, let us also know the benefits of pumpkins. Pumpkins are full of some of the best nutritional compounds. They are highly packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta Carotene is a plant carotenoid that, when consumed and digested, will convert into Vitamin A within the human body. Beta Carotene may also lessen the risk of cancer as well as heart illness. It’s also responsible for combating the degenerative effects of aging.
Pumpkins are also excellent sources of potassium, iron, and protein. Its seeds also contain the right amount of iron and protein, so eating the seeds does necessarily provide additional nutritive value. However, it is not advisable to feed your baby or toddler pumpkin seeds. Pumpkins are remarkably low in fat and calories but high in fiber.
What is Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree is a cooked pumpkin that is mashed in a food processor to create a smooth paste. This orange ingredient can be roasted, baked, sautéed, boiled, or steamed. Various cooking techniques will change the flavor of the puree. For instance, the roast method uses high heat and Maillard browning to reduce moisture in the puree.
Pumpkin Nutritional Benefits for your Baby
- It is abundant in dietary fiber and inhibits constipation.
- It helps strengthen the immune system.
- It has antibacterial property and destroys intestinal worms.
- It is abundant in antioxidants.
Pumpkin Nutritional Benefits for your Baby
Pumpkin puree does not only taste good, but it’s also filled with nutrients like the antioxidant beta-carotene, Vitamins A and C, potassium, protein, and fiber, so it’s perfect for daily meals.
- Recipes: It’s an excellent base for soups, pasta, stews, rice dishes, stuffed, muffins, bread, oatmeal, cookies, and even your favorite smoothies.
- Drain: In making pumpkin puree from scratch, it may hold more moisture than the canned ones. If you see the difference, drain the puree using a fine-mesh strainer for a few hours before using to remove some of the excess moisture. This method is most helpful when in baked goods like cookies and pies, as extra moisture can modify the texture of the finished goods.
- Freeze: Freeze any leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight resealable plastic bag in the freezer. Just thaw before using.
How to Choose Pumpkin for Babies?
Choose a pumpkin that is firm from outside and is not too ripe. If you’re buying as wedges, pick one that is deep orange in color.
Simple Steps on How to make Pumpkin Puree
- Cut the needed wedges from the whole pumpkin.
- Cube the wedges into small pieces.
- The pumpkin can be steamed or baked. Steaming is usually recommended for babies’ food as it helps preserve the nutrients.
- Put the pumpkin cubes in a cup and place it inside the pressure cooker with half-filled of water.
- Put it on the stove in medium fire.
- After one whistle, remove the cooker and allow it cool.
- Remove the lid from the cooker using the thongs.
- Mash the cooked pumpkin using a masher or by hand.
- If you desire a smooth consistency, you can use a mixer to blend.
- If the puree is too thick, add a little formula feed or breastmilk can to adjust the consistency.
Conclusion
Pumpkin purees are a great first food for babies as it packed with tons of nutritional benefits for your baby’s growing needs. If you’re new into motherhood and you want to feed your baby other food alternatives with the same health benefits as the feeding formula, pumpkin puree is a good choice. We hope that we were able to answer your question of what is pumpkin puree, its nutritional benefits, and a quick guide on how to make one. It’s quite easy to make and store at the same time. Know more about baby food.