From 8 months old it's a great time to add beets to the menu. They contain high amounts of calcium, potassium, vitamin A, and fibre, so they're a nutritious and colourful treat for your baby.

Step 1: Select and buy beets:
Look for small, blemish-free beets with greens that look fresh, not wilted. Peak season for beets is June through October; however, beets are available year-round.

Step 2: Wash and prep the beets
Rinse the beets in cold water, remove greens, and peel with a veggie peeler. Dice into small pieces.

Step 3: cook the beets
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat (until bubbles are soft) and cook beets until tender (about 10 to 15 min). Drain beets and rinse with cold water for three minutes to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: puree the beets:
Puree cooked beets in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency. Once baby is ready for finger foods, typically around 10 months, you can serve the beets that have been cooked until soft and are cut into tiny pieces.


Step 5: serve beet puree:
Beets are delicious alone or mixed with a variety of other veggies, fruits, and meats. Try mixing beet puree with:
Raisins
Sweet potatoes
Russet potatoes
Brown rice
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Turkey

Step 6: Refrigerate or freeze leftover beet puree:
Cool beet puree and refrigerate leftovers in BPA-free containers for up to three days. Freeze leftovers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator.

Note: some paediatricians recommend that you feed your baby commercially produced beet puree instead of fresh, due to high levels of nitrates; consult your doctor for advice.