Bare Wooden Spoon: Avocado Baby Food

Let’s talk avocado. What do you know about the avocado besides that it is used to make guacamole? Some people regard avocados as the “fat fruit” because of their high fat content. But they aren’t reading between the lines.

Although avocados have approximately 20 times more fat than the average piece of fruit, the monounsaturated fats in the avocado are health-promoting. Monounsaturated fats are needed by your baby's body for the healthy development of his brain and central nervous system. In addition, one of these fats, oleic acid, is believed to help lower cholesterol.

Avocados are also excellent sources of potassium (helps regulate blood pressure) and Lutein (a natural anti-oxidant and promotes healthy skin and eyes).

The following nutrients are also found in avocados: folate, fiber, vitamin E, iron, copper, beta-carotene, vitamin K, and B vitamins.

Like bananas, avocados are a great last minute baby food. There is no steaming, boiling, or cooking needed. Simply scoop out the flesh of the avocado, place into a bowl and mash with the back of a fork. (Avocados can be a bit tricky the first time you try to cut and peel it. For helpful hints, view this video.)

Cooked brown rice with banana and avocado

The only downside of an avocado is that it browns very easily and quickly (overnight!). The avocado that I intended to use to make baby food was ripening very quickly. So, I cut and peeled the avocado. Scooped out the flesh and put it in the Lock N Lock Airless container and placed it in the refrigerator.

Placed in the refrigerator on the 27th.

Five days later I released the air form the container and opened the lid. Hardly any brown spots on the avocado!

Don’t feel like you need a “recipe” to make baby food. Prepare and freeze vegetables and fruits one at a time, freeze into 1 ounce cubes, and then bag. When it is time to serve baby, you can create your combinations by stirring together 2-3 choices.