STRAWBERRIES
Why: This nutrient-rich superfood is loaded with fiber and vitamin C.
Puree it: Wash strawberries and slice in half. If berries are underripe, steam 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Smash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or dice and serve as finger food.
Mix it with: Bananas, pears, peaches, pears, apples
PEACHES
Why: This luscious fruit packs lots of calcium, vitamin A, and potassium.
Puree it: Wash, peel, pit, and dice peaches. If peaches are underripe, fill a medium saucepan halfway full with water. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat until the bubbles are very soft. Add peaches and cook 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Smash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or dice and serve as finger food.
Mix it with: Blueberries, pears, apples, strawberries, cherries, bananas
BLUEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES & BLACKBERRIES
Why: These brain-boosters are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants.
Puree it: Wash berries. If berries are underripe, steam 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Smash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or serve as finger food.
Mix it with: Peaches, bananas, pears, apples, mangoes
CHERRIES
Why: This sweet-tart fruit is a powerful source of antioxidants and fiber.
Puree it: Wash cherries, remove pits and slice in half. If cherries are underripe, fill a medium saucepan halfway full with water. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat until the bubbles are very soft. Add cherries and cook 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Smash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or slice and serve as finger food.
Mix it with: Apples, pears, peaches, bananas
WATERMELON
Why: This refreshing fruit is rich in vitamin C and fiber.
Smash it: Mash juicy watermelon with a potato masher or dice and serve as finger food.
Serve it with: Diced peaches, blueberries, pears, apples, or chunks of cheese
APRICOTS
Why: This tangy fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
Puree it: Wash, peel, pit, and dice apricots. If peaches are underripe, fill a medium saucepan halfway full with water. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat until the bubbles are very soft. Add apricots and cook 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Smash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or slice and serve as finger food.
Mix it with: Sweet potatoes, bananas, pears, apples
CANTALOUPE
Why: This sweet fruit is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C; it’s also a good source of potassium.
Smash it: Mash juicy melon with a potato masher or dice and serve as finger food.
Serve it with: Pears, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or apples
PLUMS
Why: This fiber-filled fruit is a natural digestion aid for baby.
Puree it: Wash, peel, and dice plums. If plums are underripe, fill a medium saucepan halfway full with water. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat until the bubbles are very soft. Add plums and cook 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Puree for a smooth texture. Freeze in 2-ounce portions for up to three months.
Mash it: Follow cooking and freezing steps above but instead of pureeing, mash the fruit with a potato masher. Or slice and serve as finger food.
Serve it with: Pears, bananas, apricots, or apples
What’s your babe’s fave summer fruit? How do you like to prepare it?
NOTE: Pediatricians have different opinions about when babies should try specific fruits; some, such as strawberries, are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than other fruits. Consult your pediatrician before starting your babe on a new fruit.
