Pear usefulness for infant nutrition
Pears are known as either summer or winter, depending on when they are harvested. Winter pears are the ones typically eaten in January and December because they have been stored for an extended period of time. Summer pears must be consumed quickly or else they will spoil within a few days. Pears provide many essential vitamins that are needed by babies to keep their bodies healthy and strong.
They are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium. High in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. Vitamins include vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate.
When can I add pears to baby food?
Pears can be added to baby food at 7-8 months of age.
How many pears should I add to baby food?
You want to add 2-3 pear halves per serving of baby food.
How should I cook the pears?
You're going to want to steam the pears. You can microwave them or put them in a steamer; it all depends on your preference. If microwaving, be sure to poke holes in the skin before putting them in so they don't explode.
Pour water into a saucepan and place a steaming rack inside (so the pears don't sit directly over the water). Turn the stove on high and cover until it starts boiling. Once boiling, turn down the heat and let simmer for 8-10 minutes or until tender / desired firmness is reached. Be careful not to overcook.
Let cool. Peel. Cut in half lengthwise. Remove seeds with a spoon or melon baller.
How long do I need to cook the pear halves?
It takes about 8-10 minutes to steam pears, depending on how firm you want them to be after cooking. If microwaving, it will probably take around 3-5 minutes but keep an eye on them so they don't explode!
What is the best way to store pears for baby food?
You can store unpeeled cooked pear halves covered in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving to the baby. You can also freeze and defrost as needed and then cook if preferred once defrosted (just squeeze lemon juice over them first).
What spices can be added to pears for baby food?
You might like to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. You could also try adding raisins (very moist) or apple sauce (for sweetness). If you find the pear is too sweet for your little one, you may want to cut back on the sweetener if using any.
What is the best way to serve pears for baby food?
Serve plain or with a little cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also try savory recipes with pears such as Pear and Baked Ricotta Tartlettes.
Best recipes with pears for baby food
Pear Puree for Babies
You will need: -1 ripe pear (washed, peeled cored, and cut into chunks) - 2 Tbsp. water - ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve immediately to baby, store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 24 hours, or freeze for later use.
Pear and Baked Ricotta Tartlettes
You will need: - 2 ripe but firm pears (washed, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 slices each) - 1 Tbsp. melted butter - 1 tsp. raw sugar (optional) - pinch of salt - 2 tsp. ground cinnamon (more or less depending on taste preference)
Prepare the oven to 375 F degrees. Grease an oven-proof baking tray with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Place the pear slices onto the tray in a single layer, divided evenly between them. In a small bowl combine melted butter, sugar, salt, and pepper and stir until all ingredients are well combined. Drizzle over pear slices and sprinkle with cinnamon evenly across both sides of pears so they are coated completely in spices.
Bake for 15 minutes. Flip pear slices and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Bake for another 10 minutes or until pears are tender and browned to your liking. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for 24 hours or freeze leftovers, defrost as needed.
Vanilla-Honey Poached Pears with Yogurt
You will need: - 4 large pears (ripe, but not mushy) - 1 cup water - 3/4 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk or fat-free milk of choice - 2 Tbsp. honey
Prepare the vanilla-infused poaching liquid by combining the water and almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Stir in honey and remove from heat.
Meanwhile, prepare your pear by placing it on its side and carefully slicing off the very top where the stem is; this will give you an even surface for cutting without any ridges or bumps that could cause poor slices when serving. Cut at an angle into extremely thin slices (about 1/8 of an inch thick).
Place the pear slices into the reduced poaching liquid so they are standing up (you may need to cut smaller pieces or use 2 pears if your slices are too large for this) and pour any remaining poaching liquid over top. Cover with lid and let sit for 20 minutes until pears have softened just slightly, but not become soggy. Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt by whisking all ingredients together then divide into 3 small bowls for serving.
Remove poached pears from the pan using a slotted spoon and place them onto a plate or bowl. Top each pear half with 1 Tbsp. plain or vanilla yogurt then serve immediately while still warm! Store covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days only.
Plum, Pear and Cinnamon Puree
You will need: - 1 ripe pear - 3 plums (for a total of 2 cups puree)
Wash, peel, quarter, and core the pear. Cut into chunks then place in a food processor or blender with all other ingredients. Puree until completely smooth or to desired consistency. Serve immediately for baby. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, maybe frozen for longer storage if using fresh fruit.