Asparagus for Babies – Benefits and Recipes

Preparing meal plans for your baby while trying to wean him off and introducing him to vegetables can be quite challenging. You may naturally lean towards the more regular vegetables. However, you can consider introducing asparagus to your little one as it is not only healthy but makes for great finger food, which can easily be handled by your baby. Asparagus is delicious both alone or when mixed with other veggies. In this article, we’ll look at the numerous benefits of asparagus for a baby and share some simple, baby-friendly recipes to help you introduce this wholesome vegetable to your little one’s meals.

What Is Asparagus?

Asparagus is thought to be a delicacy of the vegetable kingdom. They are young shoots of cultured lily plants and possess a typically intense, savoury flavour. Young, slender asparagus (sprue) is usually preferred. The older plants tend to become woody. Asparagus is available in purple, green, and white varieties. All types are rich in vitamin A, C, and K, iron, zinc, fibre, calcium, and potassium. It also contains amino acid asparagine, which renders it a natural diuretic.

Nutritional Value of Asparagus

The nutritional value of asparagus is as follows (1):

When Can You Introduce Asparagus to Infants?

Asparagus may not make for an ideal choice as your baby’s first vegetable. Asparagus baby-led weaning should be done with care. A baby’s tiny tummy, which is still in the developing stages can find it a little hard to digest. Asparagus can trigger bloating and gas in babies. Therefore, it is sensible to offer it to babies when they are in the age group of 8 to 10 months (2).

Health Benefits of Asparagus for Your Child

Some of the health benefits can be (3) (4) (5):

1. Enhances Immunity

Babies are more vulnerable to infections and allergies. Therefore, your baby may benefit from eating asparagus as it is full of immune-system improving antioxidants. It has high levels of vitamin A, C, and E, which play a significant role in the production of immune cells.

2. Improves Digestion

Asparagus has large amounts of probiotics, which can promote your baby’s gut health and improve his digestion. It can also reduce the likelihood of indigestion and other digestive issues.

3. Diuretic Property

Asparagus acts as a natural diuretic, which means that it facilitates the removal of additional salts and fluids from the body by way of increased urination. Thus, including asparagus in your baby’s diet can prevent the occurrence of urinary tract infections.

4. Abolishes Free Radicals

Body’s metabolism generates free radicals, which can have a negative impact on health. Asparagus contains glutathione, which is a detoxifying compound vital for the destruction of cell-damaging free radicals, and thus essential for your baby’s well-being.

5. Boosts Brain Development

This spring veggie is rich in folate, which can encourage the healthy cognitive development of your baby .

How to Cook Asparagus for Babies?

Some simple ways to cook asparagus for babies include:

• You can offer steamed asparagus to your baby as finger food. You can steam it using a steamer or by cooking it in some boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes or till it becomes tender.
• You can puree fresh asparagus after properly washing it with water. Blend it into a smooth consistency or as per your baby’s liking.
• Stir-fried asparagus can be another viable option. Cut the spears into ½ inch pieces. You may leave the tips as a whole if you like. Fry the pieces in some butter until tender-crisp or for 4 to 5 minutes.
• In case you have frozen asparagus, you can microwave it in a covered microwave-safe bowl with a little water for 5 to 7 minutes at 100% power, rearranging or stirring once.

How to Choose and Store Asparagus for Baby Food?

Take into account that all the spears in the bunch that you are buying are relatively uniform as it may be easier to cook them. Also, carefully inspect the tips of the shoots. These should be firm and not unduly soft.

Foods That You Can Serve With Asparagus for Infants

Certain foods that go well with asparagus for infants are:

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Brown rice
• Lentils
• Chicken
• Pasta

Asparagus Recipes for Babies

Here are some delicious asparagus recipes for babies:

1. Asparagus Soup

This soup is not only easy-to-make but very healthy for your baby.

Ingredients

• 250 g asparagus
• An onion
• A tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• 2 cups of water

How to Make

• Chop the asparagus tips and cut the rest into ¼ inch rounds.
• Melt the butter in a pan on medium flame.
• Saute the onions, ginger-garlic paste, and add the chopped asparagus.
• Sprinkle the salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes.
• Pour the water and cover the pan with a lid.
• Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from flame and puree the mixture with a blender.
• Strain the pureed soup before serving.

2. Cheesy Asparagus

This delicious dish is sure to delight your baby’s senses.

Ingredients

• Asparagus stalks (steamed)
• Grated cheese

How to Make

• Cook the steamed asparagus in some olive oil for a few minutes.
• Add some grated cheese and allow it to melt.

3. Asparagus Puree

If you wish to know how to make asparagus puree for baby, here is a simple recipe.

Ingredients

• Fresh asparagus spears

How to Make

• Rinse the fresh asparagus with clean water and then boil it for 4 to 5 minutes using very little water.
• Transfer the boiled asparagus to a food processor and blend it to a smooth consistency.
• Strain the mixture to get rid of any asparagus strings.

4. Apple and Asparagus Puree

This tasty dish can provide an array of nutrients to your baby.

Ingredients

• Half an apple (sliced and cored)
• Few asparagus spears
• Homemade vegetable stock

How to Make

• In a pan, add the sliced apple and asparagus spears and cover with the vegetable stock.
• Bring it to a boil and then allow it to simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Remove from flame and blend it to make a smooth puree.

Precautionary Tips to Consider

Moms may wonder if asparagus can cause gas in babies. The answer is yes, it can. Therefore, it is wise to feed asparagus in limited quantities. A few other precautionary tips to consider are:

• In case you intend to pair asparagus with another food item, keep in mind to mix it with something your baby has already eaten.
• Offer asparagus in small quantities when giving it to your baby for the first time to watch for any possible allergic reaction.

FAQs

1. How often can I feed my baby asparagus?

Asparagus can be included in your baby’s diet 1-2 times a week as part of a balanced meal. Since it is high in fibre, feeding it in moderation can help avoid digestive discomfort.

2. How can I make asparagus appealing to picky eaters?

If your baby is hesitant to eat asparagus, try mixing it with mashed vegetables, blending it into soups, or adding it to fruit purees for a mild and pleasant taste.

3. Can I use asparagus in baby-led weaning (BLW)?

Yes! Soft-cooked asparagus spears are great for baby-led weaning. Cut them into manageable pieces, making sure they are soft enough for your baby to gum or chew safely.

Introducing your baby to different vegetables can be an exciting time. At the same time, you need to consider the likely effects. Overall, asparagus can be a healthy option for your baby.

References/Resources:

1. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – Asparagus, raw

2. NHS – Feeding at 7 to 9 months

3. Cleveland Clinic – 6 Health Benefits of Asparagus

4. Division of Agriculture – Why You Should Eat More Asparagus

5. USA Regenerative Agriculture Alliance – How Asparagus Can Improve Your Health and Happiness

Also Read: 

Peas for Babies
Eggplant for Infants
Cabbage for Babies
Green Beans for Infants
When to Introduce Beans to Your Baby?