How to Preserve Homemade Baby Food

Freezing homemade baby food preserves its quality.

Making your own homemade baby food is simple, convenient and nutritionally rewarding. Baby food made at home is free from fillers and additives found in many store-brought baby foods. There are simple steps you can take to preserve the food's nutrients when preparing it. Freezing the baby food is a natural preservation process that allows you to store the baby food for use at a later time.

Things You'll Need

• Steamer
• Blender
• Lemon juice
• Ice cube trays
• Freezer bags

Instructions

1. Add 1 to 2 drops of fresh squeezed lemon juice to bananas and apples to prevent them from browning before freezing. Lemon juice has citric acid that aids in the preservation of fruits and extends its shelf life.

2. Store the baby food in the freezer to preserve its nutrients, texture and color. Place the baby food in ice trays and store it in an air-tight freezer bag. This storing method will allow you to remove smaller portions at a time. The air-tight freezer bag will protect the baby food from absorbing other flavors or odors.

3. Pop out the frozen, homemade, baby food ice-cubes once they're frozen. Transfer them into a freezer bag. Fruits and vegetables can be stored in the freezer for 8 to 12 months, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

4. Recycle your old baby food jars and use them to store baby food in the refrigerator. Use small plastic containers with lids if you don't have any baby jars available. These types of airtight containers are perfect for preserving homemade baby food in the refrigerator. Baby food preserved using this method should be used in 2 to 3 days to ensure its freshness.

Tips & Warnings

• If storing baby food in glass jars, purchase glass jars made for freezing and canning. Regular glass jars break easily at freezer temperatures.

• Label all your freezer packages with the food's date and the container's content.

• Steam or bake the vegetables and fruit to preserve their nutrients. Boiling these items can reduce the vitamin and mineral content.

References

• Ask Dr. Sears: Making your Own Baby Food
• VRG.org: Wholesome Baby Foods from Scratch
• Wholesome Baby Food: Fresh and Simple Fruit Recipes for Homemade Baby Food
• National Center for Food Preservation: General Freezing Information
• National Center for Food Preservation: How Long Can I Store Frozen Foods