Steaming Apples for Baby: A Simple Guide

Do’s✅

• Wash the apples thoroughly before steaming or preparing them

• Choose organic apples whenever possible to reduce pesticide exposure

• Peel the apples to reduce the risk of choking

• Use a steamer basket or microwave-safe bowl to steam the apples

• Test the temperature of the steamed apples before serving them to your baby

• Cut the apples into appropriate-sized pieces or wedges to prevent choking hazards

Don’ts❌

• Do not serve steamed apples that are too hot

• Do not leave your baby unsupervised while they are eating

• Do not use apples with seeds or tough parts for steaming

• Do not use sweetened or flavored toppings, always natural

If you’re looking for a healthy and easy-to-make food for your baby, steamed apples are a great option.

Steaming apples is a simple method that retains their natural flavor and nutrients, and it’s easy to do with just a few tools.

All you need is a baby food steamer, a microwave or a steamer basket, a pot with a lid, and some water. *Read: How to steam baby food without a steamer

Steamed apples are a versatile food that can be used in many ways.

You can serve them plain or mix them with other fruits or vegetables to create a variety of flavors. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a little extra taste.

Benefits of Apples for Babies

An ideal food for babies: Apples are nutritious, low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with immune-boosting vitamin C.

Apples are a nutritious fruit that are low in fat and high in fiber, making them an ideal choice for your little one’s diet.

One of the key nutrients found in apples is vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant is essential for your baby’s immune system, helping to protect them from illness and infection.

Apples are also a great source of fiber, which can help regulate your baby’s digestion and keep them feeling full and satisfied.

In addition to these important nutrients, apples are also low in fat and high in a variety of vitamins and minerals. This makes them an ideal food for babies who are just starting to explore solid foods.

Selecting and Preparing Apples for Steaming

Choosing the right apple for your baby’s food: Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, McIntosh, and Granny Smith are great choices, and going organic helps reduce pesticide exposure.

Choosing the Right Apple Variety

There are many different apple varieties to choose from, but some are better for making baby food than others.

Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, McIntosh, and Granny Smith apples are all good choices.

They are sweet, juicy, and have a soft texture when cooked.

Organic vs. Conventional Apples

If possible, choose organic apples for making baby food. Apples are one of the most heavily sprayed crops, so choosing organic will help reduce your baby’s exposure to harmful pesticides.

Washing and Preparing the Apples

Before steaming the apples, make sure to wash them thoroughly.

You can use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt or debris. If you’re using non-organic apples, you may want to soak them in a mixture of water and lemon juice to help remove any pesticide residue.

We recommend peeling them before anyway, to help reduce risks.

Once the apples are washed, you can core and slice them. If you want to soften the apples before steaming, you can grate them or cut them into smaller pieces. This will help them cook faster and become more tender.

How to Steam Apples

Steaming apples is a great way to prepare baby food that retains the fruit’s nutrients and flavor.

It’s also a quick and easy process that can be done using a steaming basket, a pot with a lid, and apples.

If you’re short on time, you can also use a microwave-safe bowl to steam the apples.

Using a steaming basket and a pot

• Wash the apples thoroughly and peel them if desired.

• Core and slice the apples into small pieces.

• Place the apple slices in the steaming basket.

• Fill the pot with water, making sure the water level is below the bottom of the steaming basket.

• Place the steaming basket in the pot and cover with a lid.

• Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the apples steam for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender.

• Remove the steaming basket from the pot and let the apples cool down before handling them.

Using a microwave

• Wash the apples thoroughly and peel them if desired.

• Core and slice the apples into small pieces.

• Place the apple slices in a microwave-safe bowl. You can add a teaspoon of water or steam the apple as it is.

• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small opening to allow steam to escape.

• Microwave the apples on high for 3-5 minutes (1 min if it is just one apple) or until they are tender.

• Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the apples cool down before handling them.

You may need to experiment with different timings when using a microwave, as the exact time required will depend on factors such as how the apples are cut and the quantity being microwaved.

As a general guide, we recommend slicing one apple into 2-inch pieces and microwaving them on high for around 45 seconds to 1 minute.

• To make mashed apples, simply mash the steamed apples with a fork or potato masher until they reach the desired consistency.

• To make pureed apples, transfer the steamed apples to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can add some water or breast milk to thin out the puree if needed.

• To make stewed apples, transfer the steamed apples to a saucepan and add some water and cinnamon. Cook over low heat for a few minutes until the apples are soft and the liquid has thickened.

How to Serve Apples to Your Baby

Soft texture and sweet taste make steamed apples a great option for babies learning to eat solid foods.

Always test the steamed apples’ temperature before serving them to your baby. They should be cool enough to touch and not too hot.

Finger foods:

• Cut steamed apples into wedges or thick strips for self-feeding
• As baby gets older, cut apples into smaller pieces
• Read: BLW Apple

Purees:

• Puree steamed apples with water for a smooth consistency
• Mix with other fruits or vegetables for variety

Apple varieties:

• Red Delicious: mild, sweet flavor
• Granny Smith: slightly tart taste

Baby-friendly desserts:

• Chop steamed apples and mix with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Add other fruits like pears, berries, or plums

Spoon feeding:

• Puree steamed apples for babies learning to eat with a spoon

Convenience:

• Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator or freezer
• Reheat and serve when needed

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Steamed Apple

Once you have steamed your apples for baby food, you may want to store them for later use. Here are some helpful tips for storing and reheating steamed apples:

Refrigeration: Steamed apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them down to room temperature before storing them in the fridge.

Freezing: If you want to store your steamed apples for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled steamed apples in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to use your stored steamed apples, you can thaw them in the refrigerator or on the countertop. Once thawed, you can reheat them in a saucepan or in the microwave. If using the microwave, make sure to stir the apples every 15 seconds to prevent hot spots and to check the temperature before serving to your baby.

Tools: When storing and reheating steamed apples, make sure to use clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination. Also, consider using suction bowls or plates to prevent spills and messes.

Choking Hazard: Remember to always supervise your baby when they are eating and to cut the apples into small pieces to prevent choking hazards. Additionally, make sure to remove any seeds or tough parts of the apple before steaming.

By following these simple storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure that your steamed apples remain fresh and safe for your baby to eat. Enjoy!