By incorporating seasonal fruit and vegetables into your family's meals and using fresh and healthy ingredients, you're more likely to eat a variety of foods and ensure you and your family have a balanced diet!
Following a seasonal calendar is a fantastic way to take advantage of fresh produce when it's at its yummiest! It's also a great way to introduce new, healthy flavours and textures for baby too 👶
I have put together a list of fruits and vegetables that are in season in Ireland/the UK and some great recipes to use them in this June! 🙌
🍅Tomatoes: Good source of potassium, folate, vitamin C and K with anti-inflammatory properties. Check out my Homemade Tomato Sauce.
🥔 Potato: Has a great source of fibre, and antioxidants and is rich in vitamin C and B. Check out my Spicy Tuna and Cottage Cheese Jacket Potato.
🪴 Peas: Contains vitamin C and E, with other antioxidants which strengthen the immune system. Check out my Pea and Prawn Risotto.
🍓 Strawberries: Packed with vitamins, fibre and high levels of antioxidants which may have benefits for greater heart health and blood sugar regulation. Check out my Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Lollies.
🌿 Asparagus: Contains fibre, folate and vitamins A, C and K and has the potential to improve digestion. Check out my Asparagus and Mint Puree.
🥬 Cabbage: Is packed with vitamin C and helps improve digestion. Check out my Bubble and Squeak.
🥕 Carrots: Vitamin A, Fibre-packed, potassium and antioxidants. Check out my Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup.
🌱 Cauliflower: High in fibre, High in Vitamin C, strengthens the immune system. Check out my Cauliflower and Cheese Bites.
🍃 Spinach: High in vitamin C, A and K. High source of iron, folate and potassium. Is very fibre packed. Check out my Green Lactation Smoothie.
For baby: For most seasonal vegetables and fruits, you can steam or stew them, blend into a puree and then offer to your weaning baby.
If your baby is ready for finger food, make sure fruits like strawberries are cut up into quarters and fruits like apples are grated or chopped into bite-sized portions for them. Vegetables should be steamed or roasted and then offered as finger food with a dipper like our Homemade Pistachio Pesto.
You can find a full seasonal calendar showing you how to serve each fruit and vegetable to your baby in my Baby & Family Book!
Happy Cooking!
