Stewed Apple Recipe

Stewed apple is one of the first fruit recipes introduced to babies. Apple is full of vitamins and nutrients, which help in a baby’s growth and development. Babies become more active with each passing day, so they need more energy and healthy nutrients for their growth and to fuel up their activities. After six months, we introduce liquid foods like apple punch, and the next step is cooked and pureed apple. Stewed apple for babies is easy to digest and easy to prepare. It is a traditional recipe served by most mothers, and babies also love it.

Video: Stewed Apple Recipe for Babies and Toddlers

Why Is Stewed Apple Good for Your Baby?

Apple is a powerhouse of nutrients, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that are highly beneficial for a baby’s well-being and development. Let’s take a quick look at the highlights proving why you should give stewed apple to your baby:

1. Strengthens Immune System

Stewed apple contains high levels of vitamin C, which is known for boosting the immune system. By including vitamin C in your baby’s diet, you will certainly ensure their safety from within, keeping them healthy and resilient.

2. Easy to Prepare and Feed

Stewed apple is a godsend dish for busy parents, as it is pretty easy to prepare and also takes a short amount of time. The dish ensures the baby is provided optimum nutrients and parents some extra time. And the best part is – stewed apple can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. All you have to do is take the required amount of the refrigerator, heat, and serve.

3. Gentle on the Digestive System

Stewing the apple breaks down the fibre in apples and makes them easy to digest for babies. This is a plus point for babies who are transitioning from breast milk to semi-solids, as stewed apple’s fibre becomes easy to digest without overwhelming the baby’s digestive system. And the additional benefit is that the gentle cooking process of stewing does not eliminate apples’ nutrients.

4. Prevents Constipation

Constipation is commonly seen in babies transitioning from a liquid diet to solids. Because of the significant presence of fibre in apples, bowel movements are regulated, and the risk of constipation is also reduced. Additionally, the natural sugars in apples can act as a mild laxative, further aiding in smooth bowel movements.

How to Make Stewed Apple Recipe?

Cooking Time

Cooking Method

Gas Stove

Type of Meal

Vegetarian

Suitable For 

Any baby above 6 months of age

Meal Schedule 

Mid-morning or Afternoon

Recipe Type 

Fruits

Ingredients

Instructions

Let’s see how to make stewed apple with the help of simple step-by-step directions.

1. Firstly, wash the apple twice in clean tap water.
2. Now, cut the apple into four pieces and peel off the apple with the help of a peeler.
3. Remove the seeds and the core of the apple with the help of a knife.
4. Chop the apple into small pieces and take a non-stick pan.
5. Transfer the apple to the pan and turn on the heat.
6. Add ½ cup of water and cover the lid. Allow it to cook.
7. Cook them for 8 minutes and stir them occasionally.
8. Turn off the gas once you see that the apple is cooked. Allow them to get cool for a few minutes.
9. Along with the water of the cooked apple, blend the apple in a mixture. It will become a smooth paste.
10. Add a little warm water if required to adjust the consistency.
11. The stewed apple is ready to eat. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Remember the below-mentioned points before you start preparing the healthy and simple Stewed apple recipe for your baby.

• Remember to de-seed the apple properly.
• Use warm water to adjust the consistency of the puree, if required.
• Use filtered, clean water for boiling the apple.
• Peel off the apple nicely with a sterilised peeler and chop it with a sterilised knife. Peeling and cooking the fruit will be helpful for babies with Oral Allergy Syndrome as they may be sensitive to apples.
• Use filtered and clean tap water to clean the apple, and then wipe it well with a clean cloth.
• Clean your hands properly before cooking, and make sure the utensils used are properly cleaned.
• Half-boiled apple or a thick paste of apple puree will be difficult to swallow for babies.
• Always take the quantity as per your baby’s eating habits.

Nutrition Information (Per 100 Grams)

Health Benefits

Here are the health benefits of a homemade stewed apple baby food recipe.

• Apple helps in digestion because of its high fibre content.
• Apple is sweet, and because of its quality, it is liked by all babies.
• Apple is rich in fibre, and it also soothes the baby’s digestive system. It is healthy during diarrhoea and constipation.
• Apple provides the necessary energy and helps in making bones stronger.
• Iron in apples also helps in making the bones stronger.
• Apple provides energy to babies and plays a vital role in a baby’s growth and development.

Buying Guide

• Buy organic (if possible) and good quality of apples from the market.
• Make sure the apple is fresh and no cut spots are there.
• Do not use cut or already chopped apples.
• Look for well-coloured apples with a nice fragrance.

FAQs

1. Is stewed apple OK as baby’s first food?

Stewed apple can be given to babies transitioning from breast milk to solid foods. Since its gentle texture on the baby’s digestive system, it can be given to little ones as beginning semi-solid baby food.

2. Is stewed apple good for baby constipation?

Yes, stewed apple is highly beneficial for promoting healthy bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation in babies.

Our babies are very precious to us, and we always want the best for them. So, instead of depending on formula food bought from the market, give your baby a bowl of tasty and nutrient-rich stewed apple every day. This way, their journey to experience new foods, textures, and nutritional opportunities will be a delightful one!

References/Resources:

1. Fruity stew recipe; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/recipes-and-meal-ideas/fruity-stew/

2. Rodriguez. J, Crespo. J. F, Lopez-Rubio. A, et al.; Clinical cross-reactivity among foods of the Rosaceae family; J Allergy Clin Immunol.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10887323/; July 2000

3. Sussman. G, Sussman. A, Sussman. D; Oral allergy syndrome; Canadian Medical Association Journal; https://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/11/1210; August 2010

4. Koutsos. A, Tuohy. K. M, Lovegrove. J. A; Apples and Cardiovascular Health—Is the Gut Microbiota a Core Consideration?; MDPI; https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/6/3959; May 2015

5. From around 6 months; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/from-around-6-months/