Banana Powder for Babies – Health Benefits & Recipes

India is filled with diversity and traditions, especially in terms of the food we eat. People eat different kinds of food, and thus give their babies various foods, too. One such item is banana powder, which is very popular in the southern regions of the country. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Read on to know more about banana powder, its health benefits, recipes, and more.

When Can You Introduce Raw Banana Powder to Babies?

The ideal age to introduce any kind of solid food to your baby is when he is over six months of age. Therefore, this nutritious powder can be given to babies after six months, or when your baby is ready for solid foods.

Benefits of Raw Banana Powder for Babies

Are you wondering why you should give this powder to your baby? Here are some reasons!

• It helps in building immunity in babies.
• It is power-packed with potassium and other vital nutrients.
• It is easy to digest, and may not cause a cough and cold like normal bananas.
• It helps in the development of a healthy brain in babies.

How to Make Raw Banana Powder at Home for Babies

Here’s how you can make banana powder for babies at home for your own little one:

1. Ingredients

• Firm, raw bananas

2. How to Prepare

• Get rid of both ends of the bananas by chopping them off.
• Peel them, then slice them thinly.
• Spread these slices on a sheet, and sun dry them for 2 to 3 days, or until crisp.
• Grind the dried slices, and then sieve the powder to get rid of any coarse pieces.

3. Note

• Ensure that you make fresh food every time.
• Sterilise your baby’s utensils before serving food in them.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Making Raw Banana Powder

You should keep the following things in mind before making banana powder:

• It is important that you choose unripe or raw bananas.
• You must clean the bananas properly.
• Make sure you slice the bananas properly.
• It is important to place the slices correctly on the sheet, so that they can dry well.
• You must sieve the powder to get rid of any banana seeds. This is because banana seeds can be difficult for a baby to digest.
• You should store the powder in an airtight jar.
• You should make the powder in small batches, so that you use it fresh.
• This powder may not cause constipation in babies.

Raw Banana Powder Recipes for Infants

Here are some easy-to-make nutritious banana powder recipes for infants:

1. Banana Powder Porridge

This delectable recipe may be an ideal first food for your little munchkin. If you are wondering how to make banana powder for babies, look no further!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of raw banana powder
• 1 cup water/milk
• Sugar (only for babies older than one year) 

How To Prepare

• Take a pan, put in the powder and water together, and mix well.
• Turn on the heat, and cook the mixture for 10 minutes.
• Add sugar, and serve lukewarm.

2. Banana Powder Halwa

This is a sweet recipe for your baby.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon raw banana powder
• ½ tablespoon clarified butter or ghee
• ½ cup organic jaggery syrup (only for babies older than one year)

How To Prepare

• Cook banana powder in the jaggery syrup while mixing it constantly.
• As the mixture thickens, you may remove it from the heat.
• Serve warm!
• Alternatively, you may cook the mixture for some more time, and then spread it on a plate. Once it cools down, you may cut it into pieces. It can be given to toddlers and older kids.

3. Banana Powder Khichdi

You may add some banana powder to the usual khichdi to give it a softer and more gooey texture.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon raw banana powder
• ½ cup moong dal
• ½ cup rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste (only for babies older than one year)

How To Prepare

• Mix banana powder in the water, and keep aside.
• Wash the rice and dal well, and put them in the pressure cooker.
• Add in the banana powder-water mixture, and salt.
• Cook on medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes.
• Serve warm!

Make sure that you do not serve sugar, jaggery, salt, and honey to infants who are younger than one year, as these ingredients can be harmful to them. If your baby is older than one year of age, then it is safe to give them these condiments.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding banana powder for babies:

1. How do I know if the banana porridge is well cooked or not?

It is easy to establish whether or not the porridge is cooked. Once the porridge gets cooked, it will leave the sides of the pan.

2. What else can I make using raw banana?

Raw banana powder is very versatile, and can be used in making various kinds of delicious recipes for your baby. You can make halwa, milkshake, and other such recipes using raw banana powder.

3. Why is raw banana more beneficial for babies than normal yellow bananas?

Raw banana is considered better than normal yellow bananas because it may not cause any a cough and cold in babies, even when consumed during the winter months.

Raw banana powder is very beneficial for your baby’s health, and you may safely add this powder into your baby’s diet after he is ready for solid foods. However, every baby is different, and it is important that you consult a paediatrician or nutritionist before introducing any solid food. Also, start with smaller quantities, and once your baby shows no signs of allergies, you may slowly begin increasing the quantity of what you serve.

Also read: Is Banana Good for Babies or Not?