untuk bayi is an Indonesian word that means for babies and we are going to provide you with some information that could be beneficial for parents who want to feed their babies with tomato-based products like tomato paste.
Moreover, there will be useful recipes that can be simply used in order to make a healthy dish for your child.
Tomatoes are the ideal food for infants to eat with their fingers. To make the process of introducing tomatoes to your infant simple and enjoyable, we have provided instructions on how to prepare and serve them, as well as a number of different recipes.
Babies should be given this nutrient-dense fruit when they are ready to start eating solid foods, which is typically about 6 months of age.
It is essential to keep in mind that your child is an individual, and that rather than relying on the calendar, you should check to see if your child is EMOTIONALLY and DEVELOPMENTALLY prepared to begin eating solid foods.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Even though it is commonly prepared as a vegetable, the tomato is actually a fruit that is a member of the nightshade family. Other members of this family include potatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
Tomatoes get their vibrant red color from a potent antioxidant known as lycopene, which has been linked to a variety of health advantages, such as improved heart health and protection from cancer and sunburn.
Tomatoes with yellow and orange pigmentation have beta carotene in them (also found in carrots and sweet potatoes.
Lycopene and beta-carotene are both types of the carotenoid that, once taken, are transformed into vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy vision, promotes cell growth, and maintains a strong immune system.
Carotenoids can only be obtained from food, and the body absorbs them most effectively when they are ingested alongside dietary fat.
Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which, when combined with meals that get their iron from plants, can significantly improve the body’s ability to absorb the mineral.
Because raw tomatoes, and especially cherry and grape tomatoes, present a possible choking hazard, it is imperative that you adhere to the serving instructions that have been provided below.
There is a possibility that the areas of your baby’s skin that came into contact with the tomatoes will become red. There is no guarantee that this is a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Instead, it is most likely a light irritation of the skin brought on by the high acid content of the tomato.
If the discomfort is severe, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tomatoes should not be excluded from their diet, however, if the condition is moderate and disappears once the skin has been removed from the fruit.
If you find that it causes you discomfort, however, opt for orange and yellow tomatoes rather than red ones because they are typically less acidic.
SELECTING THE BEST TOMATOES
When it comes to tomatoes, nothing beats fresh ones produced right in your own backyard during the height of summer. It is preferable for them to spend as little time as possible in transit and as much time as possible ripening on the vine.
There are dozens of different varieties of tomatoes, but the beefsteak, roma, cherry, grape, and heirloom varieties are the most common ones to come across.
The following are some characteristics to look out for regardless of the variety:
Choose ones that have a weight that is proportional to their size and that are neither excessively firm nor excessively soft.
Steer clear of persons who have cuts, bruises, or wrinkles on their skin. The surface of the skin need to be glossy, smooth, and even.
Have a whiff of it! Grab as many as you can if it has an aroma that is both earthy and sweet around the tip of the stem ;).
COOKING METHODS
Even though you can give your infant raw tomatoes, here are some of the best ways to cook them so that they are nice and mushy in case you feel more comfortable doing so.
Take note that while boiling will result in an increase in lycopene, the vitamin C level will decrease.
It is more beneficial to your health to consume the food with the skin still attached; nevertheless, you are free to peel it before serving if that is how it makes you feel more comfortable.
BLANCH
Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Make an incision in the bottom of each tomato in the shape of a “X” with a paring knife. Cut through the surface of the skin but avoid penetrating too deeply into the flesh of the target. Add to the water that is already boiling, and let it cook for 20 to 30 seconds. Take out and place in a dish filled with ice water.
STEAM
Put some water in a pot, top it off with a steamer basket, and bring the water to a boil. Each tomato should have a “X” cut into the bottom of it, and then it should be placed in the basket with the cut side facing up.
Steam for three to four minutes while the cover is on.
You are able to transfer to a bowl that contains ice, but this is not something that I typically do. You shouldn’t have too much trouble peeling the skin off.
ROAST
Prepare the oven to 450 degrees F. Tomatoes should be halved lengthwise before being cut. Put the ingredients in a basin and combine them with a copious amount of oil and your preferred seasonings.
Move the mixture to a baking sheet that has been prepared. Place in a single layer with the fleshy side facing up.
Cook for 30–35 minutes at 400°F.
6+ MONTHS OLD
Tomatoes can be eaten fresh or cooked; just cut them into generous wedges. You have the option of leaving the skin on or removing it. Even though your child will probably spit out the skin, this is an excellent way to introduce them to different textures.
Prepare as a soup, purée, or tomato sauce to serve (see recipes below). Mix in any of the following: lentils, oats, or pasta.
9+ MONTHS OLD
Your child ought to have developed their pincer grasp and be able to pick up smaller objects by the time they are 8 or 9 months old. You can start offering bite-sized pieces, in addition to all of the suggestions that have already been given. However, you should continue to feed larger chunks so that they may become used to biting down.
Are sauces that come in a bottle or from a can safe for infants to consume?
They are a far more practical option than raw tomatoes and really have a higher lycopene content as well. Just make sure that you search for solutions that have a low sodium content or none at all.
What is the best way to cut grape or cherry tomatoes for infants?
Be sure to cut the tomatoes so that they are each a quarter along their length. Tomates that have been cut in half horizontally can present the same choking hazard as entire grape or cherry tomatoes.
Can infants eat the peel of a tomato?
The skin does not require being peeled off (unless it makes you feel more comfortable). Because of this, your infant will have an easier time grabbing the tomato and bringing it to their mouth after doing so. There is a good chance that they will spit out the skin.
How to Prepare Tomatoes for Infants and Young Children
One pound of beefsteak or Roma tomatoes One ounce of olive oil or avocado oil Ingredients (if roasting)
Instructions
Blanch
Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Make an incision in the bottom of each tomato in the shape of a “X” with a paring knife. Cut through the surface of the skin but avoid penetrating too deeply into the flesh of the target. Add to the water that is already boiling, and let it cook for 20 to 30 seconds. Take out and place in a dish filled with ice water.
Steam
Put some water in a pot, top it off with a steamer basket, and bring the water to a boil. Each tomato should have a “X” cut into the bottom of it, and then it should be placed in the basket with the cut side facing up. Steam for three to four minutes while the cover is on.
Roast
Prepare the oven to 450 degrees F. Tomatoes should be halved lengthwise before being cut. Put the ingredients in a basin and combine them with a copious amount of oil and your preferred seasonings. Move the mixture to a baking sheet that has been prepared. Place in a single layer with the fleshy side facing up. Cook for 30–35 minutes at 400°F.
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