Jerusalem artichokes can be a healthy part of your baby's diet, as they are rich in potassium and contain protein, fiber and calcium. Jerusalem artichokes are not really artichokes, but tubers, and they do not come from Jerusalem, but from North America. The best way to prepare Jerusalem artichokes for baby food is to steam them. This method will retain the most nutrients. Any nutrients that may be lost during the cooking process will end up in the steaming liquid and can be added back to the puree when you use the liquid as a thinning agent for your puree.
Step 1
Clean the Jerusalem artichoke under cold, running water with a vegetable scrubber. Remove any eyes or strings.
Step 2
Cut the Jerusalem artichoke into 2-inch sections.
Step 3
Add 2 inches of water to the steamer bottom of the steamer pot. Preheat the water to a rapid boil over high heat.
Step 4
Place the Jerusalem artichokes into the steamer insert and place the insert carefully into the pot. Cover the pot with the lid and turn the stove to medium-high heat.
Step 5
Steam for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the center of the Jerusalem artichoke is tender when tested with a fork.
Step 6
Place the Jerusalem artichoke into a food processor or blender and pulse until it becomes a smooth puree. Add cooking liquid, 1 tbsp. at a time, if the puree is too thick and chunky.
Step 7
Serve the puree to your baby at room temperature.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have extra puree, freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw the cubes out to room temperature. Mash the Jerusalem artichoke with a potato masher or cut into small chunks after steaming if your baby has teeth and is accustomed to eating solid food.
- Jerusalem artichokes can naturally contain a small amount of nitrates. Nitrate poisoning is rare, but can occur in infants when exposed to very high levels of the substance; the nitrates react with bacteria present in the body to create a toxic substance. If you are concerned about nitrates, wait until your baby is over six months old to introduce Jerusalem artichokes. At this age the stomach acids necessary to help the body successfully fight the bacteria that cause the toxic nitrate conversion. Jerusalem artichokes contain a high amount of inulin, which may be hard for a baby to digest. If you are concerned about inulin, wait until your baby is eight to 10 months old to introduce Jerusalem artichokes.
Things You'll Need
- Large Jerusalem artichoke
- Vegetable scrubber
- Sharp knife
- Steamer pot with lid
- Food processor or blender
References
- US National Library of Medicine: Nitrate Accumulation and Leaching in a Mediterranean Horticultural Soil
- WholesomeBabyFood.com: Myths and Facts About Nitrates and Homemade Baby Food
- Homemade Baby Food Recipes: Can Babies Eat Jerusalem Artichokes?
- Vegetarians in Paradise: Jerusalem Artichoke History, Nutrition and Recipe
- "Don't Do it All to Get it All"; Suna Kassier; 2002
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