Take a fresh look at a classic veggie.

While broccoli has a reputation for not being the most tasteful, it is one of the healthiest foods you can feed to your little one. In fact, broccoli is packed with vitamins C, K, A and B, plus fiber, iron, calcium and protein. Together, these attributes help to promote both body and brain development, while also boosting baby’s immune system and even protecting against various forms of cancers, heart disease, and stomach ailments. Broccoli also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce many allergic conditions and asthma. Finally, broccoli is also a great remedy for your little one’s constipation. Most pediatricians recommend introducing broccoli into your baby’s diet when she is eight months or older.

Changing the taste of broccoli from yuck to yum!

When buying broccoli for your baby food recipes, begin by taking a close look at the color. The florets should appear rich and dark green, indicating that the broccoli is fresh and filled with nutritional value. To cook broccoli, wash the florets and stems and cut off the stem ends. Next, separate the florets from the stems and peel off any tough outer layers. Now you can either steam the broccoli or place the broccoli in a very small amount of boiling water. Once you have cooked the broccoli, you may choose to put it in a blender and puree it for a smooth, easy to eat baby food. Also try pureeing broccoli with peas, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots or cauliflower. Some moms even swear by pureeing broccoli with applesauce and even pears!

Interesting broccoli facts.

The word “broccoli” comes from the Latin brachium and the Italian braccio, which means “arm.” A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is predominately grown in California in the U.S. Tom “Broccoli” Landers holds the current record for eating one pound of broccoli in 92 seconds. Broccoli was first cultivated in ancient Roman times and Roman farmers called it the “five fingers of Jupiter” because of its curative and preventative properties.

Easy broccoli recipes.

Try one of these easy to make and delcious broccoli recipes.

• Oven baked broccoli potato pancakes
• Creamy chicken and broccoli
• Broccoli & carrot puree