Freeze Dried Baby Food is a viable option for new parents and even those who might be busy during the day but want to establish a healthy routine for their child.
Freeze-dried food is more nutritious than fresh produce because it can preserve the nutrients of fruits and vegetables, resulting in increased protein, vitamins and minerals.
What Is Freeze Dried Baby Food?
Put, freeze-dried baby food is processed food containing all the nutrition of fresh fruit and vegetables but without chopping them up. Sometimes they come in convenient cubes or popsicles.
They are packed in individual pouches, making it easy to grab and go when you are running out the door. It also makes it easy to take with you on trips as it is lightweight and can be stored in a diaper bag (no more bulky bags of canned fruits).
How To Make Freeze Dried Baby Food?
Ingredients
- 1/4 C (56G) Freeze-Dried Fruit
- 1/4 C + 2 TBSP Water
- 1/4 Cup Boiled Water
- 1/2 Teaspoon Grated Coconut
- 1/2 Teaspoon Honey
- 1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Cup Orange Juice(optional)
- 1/4 Cup (56 G) Freeze-Dried Berries (optional)
- 1.5 C Water, Boiled
- 1.5 Cachaça, or other liqueur
- 4 Cups Sugar for syrup. (I use 3 cups sugar and 1 cup sugar water.)
- 2 Tbsp water + 2 Tbsp sugar + 2 pinches of salt Boiling the sugar water first helps it dissolve quicker while making the syrup.
Prepare
Step 1
Wash and peel the fresh fruits. Cut them into small pieces and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This will help you get the best texture.
Step 2
Place the freeze-dried fruit cubes in a small bowl and cover with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Let it soak for 10 minutes to rehydrate the fruit cubes
Step 3
Strain the water from the freeze-dried fruits and add them to a blender or food processor (or use a hand mixer) with 1/4 C of water and blend until smooth.
Step 4
Add the fruit puree to a saucepan and place on medium heat. Boil for 4-5 minutes, constantly stirring to avoid burning.
Step 5
Add the ghee, grated coconut and honey. Remove from heat and stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step 6
Add the juice of half a lemon to the fruit sauce, stir well and set aside.
Step 7
Make your sugar syrup by mixing the water, sugar and salt in a small pot. Place over medium heat until all sugar is dissolved (about 10 minutes). Make sure you frequently stir to avoid burning. When done, remove from heat and pour into individual jars or glasses (like this ) for storage.
Can Babies Eat Freeze Dried Baby Food?
Yes, they can! Freeze-dried baby food is a natural fruit and vegetable puree that has been dehydrated through a process of sublimation.
This process removes the water from the fruits and vegetables without exposing them to either heat or chemicals.
Is Freeze-Dried Food Unhealthy?
No, not at all! Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are very healthy. In fact, due to the high concentration of nutrients, they have an even higher energy value than fresh produce.
Freeze-dried fruit is perfect for your baby because it contains all the nutrients of fresh fruits without any pesticides and chemicals.
10 Ideas Of Freeze-Dried Baby Food
1. Fruits
Freeze-dried fruits can be used as a puree base for baby food. Add a little water, coconut oil and honey to naturally sweeten, and you will have a perfect consistency.
2. Vegetables
You can also use freeze-dried vegetables in your recipe. Follow the same principle as for fruits: add a little water, coconut oil and honey (or sugar) to naturally sweeten them, and you will have the perfect consistency for your baby’s first solid food.
3. Porridges
Add water to freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, and you will have your favourite porridge in less than a minute. Great for babies with allergies or sensitive tummies.
4. Baby Cereals
Add freeze-dried fruits, vegetables and grains to water, coconut oil and honey to make your delicious baby cereal.
5. Smoothies
Just put some freeze-dried fruit (or vegetables) into your blender or food processor with some juice of your choice and coconut oil or ghee, and let it run until smooth.
6. Fruity Popsicles
Freeze-dried fruit cubes and berries make tasty sweet popsicles. Mix some with water, add some honey and freeze them for a delicious hot weather treat.
7. Smoothies
Add freeze-dried fruits, vegetables and grains to your favourite smoothie recipe or use them as you would fresh or frozen fruits, adding a little water first for the best consistency.
8. Bowls
Add freeze-dried fruit and vegetables to your already made rice, quinoa or millet cereal. This is a fast and easy way to make a nutritious breakfast or lunch bowl.
9. Crackers
Freeze-dried fruits can be very tasty in a homemade cracker recipe. Just add some water, coconut oil and honey (or sugar) to naturally sweeten them, and you have an instant snack for your baby or toddler.
10. Salad
Add some freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to your normal salad recipe. You can mix it with the fresh ingredients or add it to your prepared salad.Â
Conclusion
Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are natural and healthy, as they do not contain any added sweeteners or chemicals. They are also gluten-free, which is great if your family has a food allergy or a child with celiac disease.
These fruits and vegetables will have all the essential nutrients your baby needs while easier to swallow than regular baby food.
