Apple Mango Baby Food Recipe

APPLE MANGO BABY FOOD RECIPE: FACTS

APPLE FACTS

AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY

When the phrase, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” was first coined, it was not referring to the wonderful health benefits of the apple. It was referring to consuming a mere round fruit daily. Today, we see why an apple a day can actually keep the doctor away due to numerous health benefits.

  • VITAMIN C: Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant capable of blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals, as well as boosting the body’s resistance against infectious agents. Vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system and creating resistance to disease.
  • B-COMPLEX VITAMINS: B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) are key in maintaining red blood cell health, nervous system function, and providing energy.
  • FIBER: Dietary fiber is high in apples and helps to combat constipation.
  • PHYTONUTRIENTS: Phytonutrients help protect the body from free radicals which cause long term diseases including cancer.
  • MINERALS: Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are contained within the apple itself.

APPLE MANGO BABY FOOD RECIPE: MANGO FACTSApple Mango Baby Food Recipe

Mangoes contain a store of phenolic and carotenoid compounds (gallotannins, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and more) that seem to offer some protection against several types of cancer. Vitamin A and beta-carotene in mango can boost eye health, while vitamin B6 helps control homocysteine in the blood. B vitamins aid in neurologic development as well as provide energy to the body. The soluble fiber in mangoes slows down the release of sugar into the blood. The high fiber also helps to combat constipation. Mangoes are a sweet fruit.  Babies enjoy sweet fruits, and mangoes are a perfect pick for this reason!

Selecting Mangos

  • Don’t focus on color. It is not the best indicator of ripeness.
  • Squeeze the mango gently. A ripe mango will give slightly.
  • Use your experience with produce such as peaches or avocados, which also become softer as they ripen.
  • Ripe mangos will sometimes have a fruity aroma at their stem ends.
  • The red color that appears on some varieties is not an indicator of ripeness. Always judge by feel.

Ripening & Storing Mangos

  • Keep unripe mangos at room temperature. Mangos shouldn’t be refrigerated before they are ripe.
  • Mangos will continue to ripen at room temperature, becoming sweeter and softer over several days.
  • To speed up ripening, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature.
  • Once ripe, mangos should be moved to the refrigerator, which will slow down the ripening process. Whole, ripe mangos may be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator.
  • Mangos may be peeled, cubed and placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to six months.

Handling & Cutting Mangos

  • Always use a clean knife and cutting board to cut a mango.
  • If you have handled or cut any type of meat or seafood, ALWAYS sanitize your hands, work area, utensils and cutting board before handling or cutting any fruits or vegetables, including mangos.
  • Always wash mangos before cutting.

 APPLE MANGO BABY FOOD RECIPE: INGREDIENTSApple Mango Baby Food Recipe

1 mango, peeled and diced

1 apple, peeled and diced

Breastmilk/formula (optional)

APPLE MANGO BABY FOOD RECIPE: STEPS

  1. Puree the apple and mango until smooth
  2. Add breastmilk, if you desire, to achieve the appropriate consistency for your baby
  3. Serve or freeze