What's in Season: October Produce for Baby Food
It's October, and spring is well under way across New Zealand. The days are stretching out, the markets are filling with fresh greens, and some of the best produce of the year is arriving just in time for bub's next taste adventure.
Cooking with what's in season means better flavour, better value and fresher nutrients on the spoon. With a Beaba Babycook, any seasonal pick can be steamed and blended into a fresh homemade puree in around 15 minutes, all in one bowl. Here's what to look for this month and how to serve it.
Asparagus
New Zealand asparagus is at its best in spring, tender, mild and a good source of folate. Snap off the woody ends, chop into short pieces and steam until very soft before blending. It's lovely stirred through rice for a simple baby-style risotto: see how to cook rice in the Babycook.
Peas and broad beans
Sweet spring peas are a natural first food, with plant protein and fibre in every spoonful. Frozen peas work just as well when fresh aren't handy. Broad beans need double podding (remove the pod, then the pale skin on each bean) before steaming. Blend either with a few mint leaves or some potato for a creamy green puree.
Avocado
The new season's avocados arrive in spring, and they need no cooking at all, making them one of the easiest first foods going. They're rich in healthy fats that support bub's growing brain. Mash on its own or blend through freshly steamed peas for a smooth, bright green puree.
Spinach
Tender spring spinach is packed with folate and vitamin K, and it wilts down in seconds in the steam basket. Blend it with potato to soften the flavour, or try our Chlorophyll Salmon Puree, which pairs spinach and potato with salmon for a complete meal.
Globe artichokes
Artichokes are a true spring vegetable, with a mild, nutty flavour and plenty of fibre. Our Artichoke Pesto is a great one for older babies, and it doubles as a family dip with bread or veggie sticks.
Strawberries
The first early-season strawberries start appearing in spring, bright, juicy and full of vitamin C. Hull and halve them, give them a quick steam to soften, then blend smooth. They pair beautifully with apple and other berries in our Antioxidant Berry Apple Puree. A little redness around bub's mouth after berries is common and usually just skin contact, but mention it to your GP if you're unsure. Save any extra portions in freezer pods for quick snacks later.
Carrots
Sweet carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which bub's body turns into vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. Steam until very soft and blend on their own, or mix with asparagus or peas for a colourful spring combination.
Which Babycook is right for you?
Every Babycook steams, blends, defrosts and reheats in one appliance, so spring produce goes from basket to bowl without extra pots or pans.
- Babycook Neo: our most popular model, with a glass bowl and stainless steel steam basket, in a range of colourways.
- Babycook Solo: a compact, budget-friendly option for smaller kitchens.
Planning a spring risotto or pasta night? Add a Babycook Rice, Pasta & Grain Insert to cook grains alongside your veggies. Batch-cook while produce is at its best and store extra portions with our food storage range.
Once bub is a confident toddler, the whole family can bake together with our egg-free Banana & Choc-Chip Muffins.
For more inspiration, browse all our Babycook recipes.
Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any reactions. Always check with your GP or Plunket nurse about when to start solids, textures and any known allergies.