Are you planning to wean your baby? Have you introduced him to some vegetables already? Do you plan to introduce asparagus in your baby’s meals?
If you are not sure how to make asparagus interesting for your baby, read on to know about some recipe ideas that might be helpful.
When Can You Introduce Asparagus To Your Baby?
Asparagus baby food is a very healthy vegetable that you can start feeding your baby once the initial weaning stage is over. It is a rich source of vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, and even folic acid. All of these are very important for your baby’s overall health, growth and development.
If you are planning to introduce asparagus as a first food or vegetable to your baby, it may not be a good choice. Just like cauliflower and broccoli, asparagus can also cause flatulence. As your baby’s tummy is still quite delicate, he can find it difficult to digest asparagus just yet. Gas can lead to colic, which will make your baby uncomfortable and cranky.
The best time to introduce asparagus to your baby is when he is between eight and ten months of age. By then you would have already introduced other foods to your baby, and it will be easier on your little one’s tummy. If your baby is colicky, or if he suffers from any digestive issue, introduce asparagus a little later, perhaps around his first birthday.
Asparagus Baby Food Nutrition Chart:
Here is a quick look at the nutritional chart for asparagus:
| Asparagus, cooked 1 cup = 180 grams [1] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | DRI/DV | |
| Vitamin K | 101% | |
| Folate | 67% | |
| Copper | 33% | |
| Vitamin B1 | 24% | |
| Selenium | 20% | |
| Vitamin B2 | 19% | |
| Vitamin C | 18% | |
| Vitamin E | 18% | |
| Manganese | 14% | |
| Phosphorus | 14% | |
| Fiber | 14% | |
| Potassium | 12% | |
| Vitamin B3 | 12% | |
| Choline | 11% | |
| Zinc | 10% | |
| Vitamin A | 10% | |
| Iron | 9% | |
| Protein | 9% | |
| pantothenic acid | 8% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 8% | |
| Magnesium | 6% | |
| Calcium | 4% | |
Health Benefits Of Baby Asparagus:
Here are a few reasons why asparagus is especially good for your baby:
Asparagus contains dietary fiber that will regulate your baby’s bowel movements and prevent constipation.
It contains various B-complex vitamins that help in your baby’s metabolic functions.
The vitamins A, C and E found in asparagus will help make your baby’s immune system strong and fight off any chances of infection. It is also good to prevent cancer in later years.
The Vitamin K in asparagus helps strengthen your baby’s bones. It also helps keep the threat of Alzheimer’s disease at bay.
Top Five Recipe Ideas For Asparagus For Baby:
Remember to speak to your baby’s doctor before you add asparagus to your baby’s diet. Here are five recipe ideas that will help you prepare asparagus for your baby in a delicious, healthy and easy way:
1. Asparagus And Apple Puree:
Image : Shutterstock
You Will Need:
- ½ an apple (sliced)
- 4 asparagus spears
- 4 cups of homemade vegetable stock
How To:
- Add the asparagus spears, apples and vegetable stock to a pan.
- Let the mix boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for five minutes. Make sure the apple and the asparagus are tender.
- Put the boiled mix in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Creamy Asparagus Dip:
Image : Shutterstock
You Will Need:
- 2 Tbsp of cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp of yogurt
- 3 cooked asparagus sticks (chopped)
How To:
- Mix the cream cheese and the yogurt and add the cooked asparagus.
- You can let your baby use it as a dip or even spread it on toast or baked vegetables.
3. Asparagus And Eggs:
Image : Shutterstock
You Will Need:
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp of cream cheese
- 2 cooked asparagus spears (chopped)
- 1 Tbsp of Butter
How To:
- Heat the butter in a pan. Beat the eggs and add them to the pan, stir continuously.
- Now, add the cream cheese and the asparagus.
- Cook until the mix solidifies.
4. Asparagus Finger Food:
Image : Shutterstock
You Will Need:
- 4 Asparagus spears (cooked)
- 2 Small, whole wheat tortillas
- 4 Tbsp of Cheddar cheese (grated)
How To:
- Sprinkle the tortilla with cheese and put the asparagus spears inside.
- Roll up the tortillas and close them.
- Place the tortillas on a grill and cook on medium heat. Turn the tortillas over to ensure they cook properly on all sides, and the cheese melts.
5. Asparagus And Chicken Recipe:
Image : Shutterstock
You Will Need:
- 2 chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp of butter
- 1/4thcup of flour
- 1 cup of homemade chicken stock
- 1/4thcup of cream
- 1 cup of asparagus spears (chopped)
- ½ cup of Parmesan cheese (grated)
How To:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degree C.
- In a pan, heat the oil and fry the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides.
- Melt the butter in a pan, add the flour and sauté it on low heat. Now add the stock and stir continuously. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the cream to the pan and stir well.
- Put the asparagus spears in a microwave safe dish and add the chicken and the sauce.
- Add the cheese on top and bake for 45 minutes.
Try these recipes to let your baby enjoy the goodness of asparagus. Introduce it to him only after the doctor gives you the go-ahead.
Have you introduced your baby to asparagus? At what age did you do so and does your baby have a favorite recipe? Do share it here with other moms.
