The Goodness of Sweet Potatoes for Baby:
The nutritional value of yams/sweet potatoes cannot be ignored. They are high in Vitamin A and beta carotene as well as potassium. They also contain a good amount of Vitamin E, calcium and folate.
"The Nutrition Action Health Letter rated 58 vegetables by adding up the percentages of USRDA for six nutrients (Vitamins A and C, folate, iron, copper, and calcium), plus fiber. Sweet Potatoes topped the list with a whopping 582 points; its nearest competitor, a raw carrot came in at 434."˚
Sweet Potatoes (1 medium baked)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 24,877 mg
Vitamin C - 28.0 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .74 mg
Niacin - .69 mg
Folate - 26.2 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 273 mg
Phosphorus - 29.5 mg
Magnesium - 13.5 mg
Calcium - 6.2 mg
Sodium - 11.0 mg
Iron - .55 mg
Selenium - .5 mg
Manganese - .6 mg
Zinc - .3 mg
When can I introduce Sweet Potatoes to my baby?
These wonderful vegetables are a great first baby foods,(even for the early solid food starter) for baby as they are packed full of nutrients, highly palatable and due to their fiber content, help digestive tract and bowel health.
What is the difference between a Yam and a Sweet Potato?
So is it a Yam or is it a Sweet Potato? In the United States, Yams and Sweet Potatoes are one and the same and the terms are used interchangeably for the same vegetable. The word "yam" originates from the African word "nyami" which is a starchy root. True yams are tubers. They are found in Africa and the Caribbean and sometimes in Europe. True yams can grow up to 100 pounds and attain a length of seven feet. Sweet potatoes are "storage roots" and seldom grow to be larger than 2 pound each. Sweet potatoes are in the Morning Glory family and Yams are in their own Yam family. There is a clear difference between the two species and they are not even remotely related.
The difference between Yams and Sweet Potatoes in the United States is only in the labeling, the color, the texture and the marketing. What is referred to as a "yam" in the Unites States is the darker reddish skinned, orange fleshed sweet potato. It is typically more sweet and moist. The term "yam" that has been applied to this type of sweet potato was coined by those in the Southern part of the United States. Throughout the South, "yams" are the most commonly used of the sweet potato varietals.
What is referred to as Sweet Potato on the other hand, is the lighter, brownish skinned type. This variety is more dry and starchy than the "yam' and is not as sweet. It also resembles the texture of regular white potatoes.
How to select and store sweet potatoes for baby food
When selecting yams/sweet potatoes for homemade baby food, make sure to select those that are unbruised and without brown or soft spots.
For proper storage, be sure to keep them in a cool, dark, dry area. Yams/Sweet Potatoes may be kept for up to two weeks. Do NOT refrigerate sweet potatoes.
hint White or Light colored Sweet Potatoes are more dry and not as tasty as the orange colored sweet potatoes.
As with most cooked foods, they may be kept refrigerated for 2 to 3 days after being cooked. Sweet potatoes freeze well.
The best way to cook Sweet Potatoes for Baby Food
Baking sweet potatoes is the very best way to cook them.
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Baking sweet potatoes, especially for baby food, brings out their natural sweetness and good flavor while retaining the most nutrients. You may also peel and cube then steam or boil sweet potatoes if you prefer.
A Few Sweet Potato Baby Food Recipes
Sweet Potato (Yam) Baby Food Puree Recipe
(4)6 months +
Baking Sweet Potatoes for Baby Food:
1. Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil - do not peel for baking/microwaving.
2. Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30-60 minutes or until soft
3. Remove skins by slitting the sweet potato lengthwise when cooled then scoop out the "meat". Use a liquid from your preferred source to puree or thin the sweet potatoes.
Boiling/Steaming Sweet Potatoes for Baby Food:
1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks
2. Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato
3. "Steam" boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.
4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes if desired.
Microwave Sweet Potatoes: (we prefer to not use a microwave for cooking)
1. Wet and wrap sweet potatoes with microwave safe plastic wrap.
NOTE! You can skip the plastic wrap and simply wet the sweet potatoes and move to #2!*
2. Poke holes in the wrap with a fork and microwave for 10 minutes or until done.
3. Remove skins by slitting the sweet potato lengthwise when cooled then scoop out the "meat". Use a liquid from your preferred source to puree or thin the sweet potatoes.
Place cooked sweet potatoes into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency
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Sweet Potato Apple Mash (4)6 months +
1. Steam or bake apples and sweet potatoes together until tender.
2. Puree as needed, adding water to thin if required.
3. You may also chop or dice for a finger food salad.
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Sweet Potatoes and Squash (4)6 months +
1. Steam or bake squash (winter) and sweet potatoes together until tender.
2. Puree as needed, adding water to thin if required.
3. You may also chop or dice for a finger food salad
