This post was updated on January 3, 2024.
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Cucumbers are healthy and refreshing, so why not feed them to your baby? Try these stage 2 cucumber baby food purees for your 6 month+ baby.
My daughter was instantly hooked on cucumbers the first time she tried them. I used to feed her a cucumber puree with simply cucumbers, a splash of lime juice and some fresh herbs.
While it was fine for her, some babies have bad reactions to citrus which can include a rash or an upset stomach. So, I’ve created a new and improved recipe that can be enjoyed by all babies!
This recipe uses fresh cucumber and cooked apples, which gives the puree a little sweetness and a thicker consistency. Add either fresh dill, cilantro or mint, and you’ve got the perfect cucumber baby food puree to encourage adventurous eating.
Can you puree cucumber for babies?
Yes, it is safe to puree cucumbers for babies after 6 months.
Cucumbers can cause some babies to be gassy, which can cause discomfort. If this happens with your baby, stop giving her cucumbers for the time being, and try again when she is slightly older (8 months+).
Can babies eat raw cucumber?
There are differences of opinions on whether you should feed your baby raw cucumber or not.
Some people think it should be blanched for at least a minute to kill any microbes that may be in the cucumber.
Others think it’s fine to give babies raw cucumber.
I, personally, have given both of my babies raw, pureed cucumbers and never had any problems.
If you are unsure, you can always blanch the cucumbers before pureeing them for your baby.
You should also always consult your pediatrician before giving your baby any new foods.
How long will homemade baby food last?
Fresh, homemade baby food will last in the refrigerator for 3 days. Once the 3 days have passed, the remaining food should be disposed of for safety reasons.
If you make this or any other baby food recipes in bulk, it can be stored it the freezer for up to 3 months. Click here for more information, tips and tricks on storing homemade baby food.
By the way, these baby food freezer storage trays are PERFECT for freezing baby food. They come with snug fit lids that prevent spills and freezer burns, and they stack so easily.
What health benefits do these purees provide for your baby?
No matter which puree you decide to make, it will provide a lot of health benefits for your baby.
Cucumbers are good for preventing constipation and promoting bone health (high in vitamin K).
Apples are an excellent source of fiber, which is good for digestion, and vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity and fight against the common cold and flu.
Mint contains menthol, which can help to break up mucus.
And dill is known for reducing gas and preventing hiccups.
Cilantro is also high in vitamin K, which again, promotes healthy bones.
Try these other yummy stage 2 baby food recipes!
Peanut Butter + Banana Oatmeal Baby Cereal
Cucumber + Melon Baby Food Puree
Mango Baby Food Puree, Three Ways
Persimmon Baby Food Puree, 2 Ways
Red Pepper + Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree
How do you make these cucumber baby food purees?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cucumber, peeled and de-seeded
- 1 cup of apple, cored and peeled
- 1/4 cup of water for cooking
- a few sprigs of fresh mint or fresh cilantro or fresh dill
Equipment:
Baby Bullet, food processor or blender
Step 1: Core, peel and dice the apples. Place them in a pot along with 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until soft.
Step 2: Meanwhile, peel, de-seed and slice the cucumber.
Step 3: Once the apples have cooled a little, add them to a blender (or food processor) along with the cucumbers and your herb of choice. Blend until smooth. If you’re using a powerful blender, you shouldn’t need to add any extra liquid. If you do add extra liquid, add just a tiny bit at a time. Cucumbers are made of mostly water, so adding extra liquid will result in a watery puree.
Note: Keep in mind that a blender will give you a smoother puree than a food processor.
If you’re looking for a super smooth puree, you will need a high-powered blender.
Although I am using a high-powered blender to showcase this recipe, I made a lot of baby food for my kids in a food processor. I liked to give my babies lots of different textures because I didn’t want them to get accustomed to super smooth purees all the time.
In fact, this KitchenAid food processor is what I used. I LOVE it because it is very compact (I have a small kitchen) but it’s still powerful.
But, the tool you choose to puree your baby food in is totally up to you! It’s just a matter of personal preference.
You should always consult your pediatrician before giving your baby new foods.
Cucumber Baby Food Purees, Three Ways
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cucumber peeled, de-seeded and sliced
- 1 cup apple cored, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup water for cooking
- a few leaves fresh mint OR
- a few sprigs fresh cilantro OR
- a few sprigs fresh dill
Instructions
- Core, peel and dice the apples. Place them in a pot along with 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, peel and de-seed the cucumber (optional if using an English Cucumber) and roughly dice it.
- Once the apples have cooled a little, add them to a blender (or food processor) along with the cucumbers and your herb of choice. Blend until smooth. If you’re using a powerful blender, you shouldn’t need to add any extra liquid. If you do add extra liquid, add just a tiny bit at a time. Cucumbers are made of mostly water, so adding extra liquid will result in a watery puree.
Notes
- Try serving this over yogurt!
- Keep in mind that a blender will give you a smoother puree than a food processor.
- If you want a really smooth puree, you will need a good, powerful blender.
- My baby food recipes don’t yield a lot because babies don’t eat much, and they should be eating a variety of different foods (making too much of one type won’t give them that opportunity). However, if you want to make this recipe in bulk to freeze for later, simply double it.
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