How to Make Zucchini Baby Food

If stay up to date with food trends, you might have noticed the zucchini is having a moment. From zucchini noodles, or zoodles, to zucchini fries, people everywhere are replacing their carbs with zucchini. But this vitamin-rich vegetable is more than just a food trend; it’s great for baby, too!

How to Choose the Best Zucchini

If you’ve ever had a garden at home, you probably have noticed that zucchini can get big, very big. However, the tastiest zucchini are actually on the smaller size. When they are picked young, you get that perfect mildly sweet flavor. At the grocery store, try to choose zucchini that are about six to eight inches in length and relatively thin. Look for dark green, smooth skin. Pick it up to test the weight; it should feel a little heavy for its small size.

Did you know zucchini isn’t the only summer squash?

Should I Peel Zucchini for Baby Food?

You should leave the skin on when preparing zucchini, and this is even more important when pureeing it for baby food. Eating the skin is how baby will get all those wonderful vitamins and nutrients. Zucchini contains vitamin A, which is great for bone growth and the immune system; and it’s a rich source of potassium and magnesium. When the zucchini is cooked, the skin softens, making it easy for baby to digest.

How to Make Zucchini Baby Food

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (about 8 inches)
• Water for steaming

Instructions

Step 1: Steam the zucchini

Rinse zucchini, cut off ends, and slice. Using a medium pot and a steamer basket, steam zucchini for a few minutes, until tender.

Step 2: Blend or puree

Transfer to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Zucchini is high in water content, so you shouldn’t need any extra water to reach the desired consistency.

Baby might love the mild taste of zucchini on its own, but try mixing it with a little applesauce if you want to add a different flavor. Or if your baby is ready for finger foods, try serving some delicious zucchini bread!

How to Store Zucchini Baby Food

You can store the leftover zucchini baby food in the fridge for three days, or you can freeze it for up to three months. Try pouring the leftovers into a reusable baby food ice cube tray and popping it in the freezer. The ice cube portions are the perfect size to warm up the next time baby is ready for zucchini again.

Next: Learn how to make Instant Pot baby food and how to cook zucchini for yourself!