Pumpkins are jam-packed full of some of the best nutritional compounds around. They are highly loaded with Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta Carotene is one of the plant carotenoids that when eaten and digested, turns into Vitamin A in the human body. Beta Carotene may reduce the risk of cancer as well as heart disease. It also may be responsible for combating or putting off the degenerative effects of ageing.
Pumpkins are also good sources of potassium, protein, and iron. Pumpkin seeds also contain a good amount of protein and iron so eating the seeds does provide some nutritive value. We don't recommend that you offer your baby or toddler pumpkin seeds however. Pumpkins are wonderfully low in fat, low in calories but high in fiber.
According to the Environmental Working Group, pumpkins are not one of the "dirty dozen" foods that are most highly contaminated with pesticides - purchasing organic is a personal choice
Pumpkin is very watery so baking is the best method - you may peel, de-seed and steam chunks of you prefer.
PUMPKIN Recipes
1 sugar pumpkin
water
cinnamon, nutmeg (optional - sprinkle into the cooking water or when you puree/mash)
1. Halve the pumpkin, de-seed
2. Place halves face down in a baking pan with approx 1-2 inches of water
3. Bake between 375-425 F for approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour
Skin should be "puckery" and/or wrinkled and pumpkin should feel soft when pressed
4, Scrape out the pumpkin "meat" and then mash or puree as needed for your baby.
Apple Pumpkin Puree Baby Food Recipe (6-8 months)
1 sugar pumpkin
3 Apples, peeled & cored (use Macintosh, Gala, Braeburn or Granny Smith)
water
cinnamon, nutmeg (optional - sprinkle into the cooking water or when you puree/mash)
1. Halve the pumpkin, peel and de-seed it then cut into cubes
2. Slice the apples
3. Add 3 inches of water to a pot and then insert a steamer basket - add the pumpkin cubes and apples
4. Bring water to a boil and then steam gently until soft and cooked. Be sure to check on the water level!
Let cool a bit then puree or mash as needed for your baby.
Apple, Pumpkin & Oatmeal Breakfast Baby Food Recipe (6-8 months)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cup (cooked) oatmeal
Dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and/or ginger
Mix spices, applesauce, pumpkin puree and oatmeal together
Stir thoroughly or blend if needed
Pumpkin Baby Food Recipes - Yummy Bananas & Pumpkin (6-8 months)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 small bananas
Mash 2 small bananas and add the pumpkin puree
Mix thoroughly, blend if needed for your baby's texture preferences. Makes a yummy addition to baby's cereal or yogurt.
Baby's Pumpkin & Pears (6-8 months)
½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 pear, peeled & cored & diced
Mash the pear and then mix in the pumpkin – puree if needed.
Pumpkin, Banana & Peaches (6-8 months)
½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 pear, peeled & cored & diced
1peach – peeled, pitted & diced
Combine all food (steam pear and peach together if need be) and mash or puree if needed.
Sumber : http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/pumpkin-babyfood-recipes.htm
