Serving the best possible nutrition for your baby is an excellent way to show how much she is loved and adored by her mama. Steamed apples are soft, easy to digest, and full of essential nutrients, showing your good intentions to provide the best for her. Fruits like apples are rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Including steamed apples in your baby’s diet also ensures they get antioxidants, helping to protect their cells from damage.  So let’s take you through a guide that would serve as a perfect recipe for your baby’s diet.

Preparing the Apples; Washing and Peeling

Apples are prone to different bacteria as it does not have a peel or cover even when buying the organic ones, they still retain dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residues on their skin. This is why washing under running water is important as it helps to remove any surface dirt and residues. Gently scrub the surface of the apples with your hands, this helps to get rid of any stubborn particles that water alone might not remove. 

The next step is to peel the apples, this process is to ensure an easy steaming process and a safer nutrition for your baby. All you have to do is take a vegetable peeler and carefully remove the skin of each apple. Hold the apple firmly in one hand and use the peeler to remove the skin in long, even strokes then rotate the apple as you peel to ensure you remove all the skin.

Cutting the Apples

The next thing to do is cut them into pieces that are just the right size for steaming.  Place a cutting board on a flat surface using a sharp knife for a clean cut, this step ensures that the apples cook evenly and are soft enough to be pureed into a smooth texture for your baby. If you’re preparing a large batch of apples, work in smaller batches to maintain control and ensure uniform pieces.

Steaming Process

Add a little pinch of cinnamon to the sliced apples for a warm and natural sweetness. Add a little water to the pot, then place the steamer basket into the pot be sure it sits above the water level. Boil the water over medium heat and be ready to arrange the sliced apples when the water is boiled.  Place the apple pieces in the steamer basket, arranging them in an even layer, and cover the pot with the lid again, trapping the steam inside to cook the apples. Steam for about 15 minutes and check for tenderness. Wait to cool off before pureeing with a blender or food processor. 

Pureeing the steamed Apples 

Carefully transfer the steamed apple pieces into the blender or food processor depending on how smooth you want, and blend till you achieve a creamy consistency. You can adjust the smoothness according to your baby’s developmental stage. 

Serve at a Safe Temperature

 After pureeing the steamed apples, let the puree cool naturally while retaining warmth in the blender or food processor. Avoid using cold water baths or refrigerating immediately as this can change the texture and nutrient content. 

Creating perfectly steamed apples for your baby is not just about nourishment; it’s a journey of nurturing their growth and development. As we’ve explored a step-by-step guide in making the perfect steamed apples for your little one, here’s to many more nutritious and memorable meals together, filled with the goodness of homemade steamed apples and the joy they bring to your baby’s palate and your heart.