Butternut squash baby food is great for kids. However, it can also be served as an antipasto. It is also utilized in baking and is stirred through sauces and risottos. Butternut squash for baby, was originated in Central America. It has a nutty and sweet taste which is almost the same as a pumpkin. Once cooked nicely, it can be used as butternut squash baby puree and used in both savory and sweet dishes. 

WHEN CAN BABIES CONSUME BUTTERNUT SQUASH? 

It can be set in motion as soon as your child is ready to digest solid foods which is usually 6 months of age. 

IS BUTTERNUT SQUASH FOR BABY HEALTHY? 

Yes, butternut squash baby food is an outstanding source of vitamin A, vitamin B, fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The squash contains even more vitamins than the flesh itself. All these vitamins are known to support your baby’s immune system. Vitamin C has the superpower to assist your kid in absorbing iron from the food they eat. Try to serve the squash with iron-rich foods like lentils, beans, seeds, etc. Also, butternut squash is rich in carotenoids, which helps in reducing the risk of cancer and regulates free radicals produced by the human body. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH BABY FOOD

There are several advantages of butternut squash puree for baby. Some of them are:

• It contains high levels of Vitamins A & C and antioxidants, which boosts our  immune system while reducing inflammation
• It is also a great source of potassium that keeps our bones healthy
• Butternut Squash has a type of protein that acts as an anticancer element
• It has calcium that assists in strengthening folate and bones that helps in brain development

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED TO MAKE BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE

For this recipe, you just require butternut squash, water and olive oil, and water.

BUTTERNUT PUREE RECIPE

Let’s dig in and look at the process of making the butternut puree. 

•  Begin with roasting and chopping your butternut squash by blending it with olive oil and then baking it in the microwave
• You can also roast it before starting with the recipe, i.e.in advance, or do it at the same time of making the puree
• Now, put the squash into a mixer grinder
• Mix it until smooth, while adding water as required to assist the blend to swirl nicely

HOW TO STORE THE PUREE? 

To store the puree in the refrigerator, just put the squash into a food storage container for 3 to 5 days. Mix and warm it nicely before serving it, if needed. To store in the refrigerator, place it into an ice tray, freeze it, and once it has been frozen completely, shift the cubes into a freezer zip bag to use it for at least three 3 months. By doing this, you can take one or two cubes at a time and let them thaw at room temperature before offering them to your baby. 

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU MAKE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH? 

You can serve it just like the way it is or you can just utilize it in the form of butternut Muffins, or as oatmeal with Butternut Squash, you can also mix it into plain yogurt, and then spread it on toast to have it in your breakfast. You can also have it with quesadillas. The regular butternut squash puree has a tasty flavor, but you can add these flavors to make it tastier. You can add: 

• Cinnamon and cumin
• Ground ginger and pumpkin pie spice

Tip: You can also choose to sweeten it a little bit with the help of applesauce or apple butter. 

HOW TO STORE AND SELECT BUTTERNUT SQUASH? 

Selection: Butternut squash has an orangish tanned color and is comparatively taller than other squashes. It can be differentiated by a round and flat bottom. Select a sweet and ripened butternut. Avoid choosing butternut with blemishes Or black patches. You can also touch the squash and see if it’s firm or not. 

Storage: Cover the pulpy portion of a used squash with a cling film before stockpiling it in the fridge. It can easily be piled up for many days, but if you are using it for your baby, it would be best if you consume it within a day or two. 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH FOOD COMBINATIONS FOR KIDS

You can mix the butternut squash with the food items mentioned below for best results.

• Vegetables: Vegetables such as beetroot, carrots, and sweet potato match perfectly with squash. Sago pearl, curated from the cassava plant, tastes great with butternut squash. Vegetables like potatoes can also be matched nicely with butternut squash
• Fruits: Fruits such as pears and peaches with a bit of soft and sweet pulp can be blended well with squash
• Meat: Meat from lamb and chicken tastes great with squash when preparing food for your baby
• Grains & Pulses: Butternut squash can be mixed with grains like millets and rice. Lentils also make a great accompaniment to the butternut squash

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs) 

• Can my kids be allergic to butternut squash?

Yes, your kid can be very allergic to butternut squash sometimes. This vegetable comprises the Cucurbitaceae family which produces vegetables with a toxin known as cucurbitacins.

The main signs of cucurbitacins allergy are diarrhea and stomach cramps. Butternut squash baby food can also lead to skin hives, vomiting, and immense lethargy.

• Can I provide butternut squash seeds to my baby? 

Butternut squash seeds can be digested and are generally roasted before eating. Since the seeds have a hard shell, you are required to chew it thoroughly, which is difficult for a small kid. Hence, avoid feeding squash seeds to your kid as they can be hazardous to them. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite the capability to cause allergies, butternut squash is a matter of concern for parents, and most babies can eat it safely without any harmful reactions. Remember to feed it in a limited amount to babies else it can lead to diarrhea which can harm your baby’s health.