Organic Winter Squash is in season now and will be making a regular appearance at farmers markets and in organic box schemes throughout the northern hemisphere. Squashes are extremely versatile, highly nutritious and fairly inexpensive. They are delicious roasted, but also make a perfect seasonal meal for babies. Toddlers will enjoy squash puree as a side dish to meat and other vegetables.

Common varieties of winter squashes include butternut, acorn, hubbard, turban and kabocha. You can use any of these for the purposes of this simple recipe.

Keith Snow shows you how do it:

  • Cut the squash into quarters, and add it to a steamer bowl.
  • Put steamer bowl into saucepan of simmering water and cover.
  • When soft, after about 15 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Scoop soft flesh from skin, and blend with a little water from the saucepan. (This water contains lots of vitamins from the squash).
  • Once you have a puree, just decant into ice cube trays and freeze.
  • Once the squash cubes are fully frozen, you can swap them into freezer bags. They won’t stick together.

Note that you should sterilise the ice cube tray before using it for baby food.

Squash is packed with antioxidants including high levels Vitamin A and C. These vitamins will boost a baby’s developing immune system. It also contains B vitamins as well as important omega 3 oils. B vitamins assist with converting food to energy as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Omega 3 oils promote a healthy heart and play a crucial role in brain development as well as normal growth and development (University of Maryland Medical Centre).

Although this recipe is geared towards baby food, you can simply bake, steam or roast a squash to enjoy its delicious taste, and benefit from its nutrition. Make sure your squash is organically grown to get the highest levels of vitamins and minerals.

Filed under: Organic Baby Products

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