Methods of cooking

Steaming or microwaving is the best way to preserve the fresh taste and vitamins in vegetables and fruits. Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and can easily be destroyed by overcooking especially when fruits and vegetables are boiled in water. Broccoli loses over 60% of it’s vitamin C when boiled but only 20% when steamed. Its worth buying a multi-layered steamer if you don’t have one already.

Boiling - Use the minimum amount of water and be careful not to overcook the vegetables and fruits. Add enough of the cooking liquid to make a smooth puree.

Microwaving - Chop the vegetables or fruit and put in a suitable dish. Add a little water, cover, leaving an air vent and cook on full power until tender. Puree to the desired consistency but take care to stir well and check that it is not too hot to serve to your baby.

Baking - If you are cooking a meal for the family in the oven, you could use the opportunity to bake a potato, sweet potato or butternut squash for your baby. Wash and prick the chosen vegetable with a fork and bake until tender. Cut in half (remove the seeds from the squash) scoop out the flesh and mash together with some water or milk.