Cucumber for Baby
Cucumbers are tasty treats for baby and kiddo! Made mostly of water, but with a fibrous skin, cucumbers are ideal as a crunchy snack for kiddo or blended into a puree for baby. They are high in vitamins A, C and K and are more nutritious than some think. Cucumbers are high in antioxidants and have been shown to help reverse free radical damage and harmful inflammation in the body. Studies have also shown that cucumbers may help to fight certain cancers and improve the health of the digestive tract. Pickled cucumbers, otherwise known as pickles, are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy cucumbers, but may be a little sour for baby and should be reserved for older kiddos. Baby can enjoy cucumbers mixed into their sweet and savory purees for an extra boost of fiber and antioxidants!

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Cucumber
Vitamins
Vitamin K – this vitamin is vital for the blood clotting process and healthy bones
Vitamin C – helps heal small cuts and wounds and helps keep gums and teeth healthy
Vitamin A – supports baby’s immune system, skin, eyes and bones
Folate – this B vitamin that supports brain and nervous system health

Minerals
Magnesium – this is a mineral necessary to the body’s bone and skeletal health, and vitally important in regulating energy production inside the cell
Manganese – this potent antioxidant helps to form baby’s bone and cartilage
Potassium – this is an electrolyte mineral that supports healthy cardiovascular function and kidney function
Phosphorus – vital for healthy bones and teeth (85% of your body’s phosphorus is found in our bone!)

How to Select and Store Cucumbers for Baby Food
According to the EWG, cucumbers are listed as one of the Dirty Dozen foods, meaning they are highly contaminated with pesticides and should be purchased organic when possible. When picking out a cucumber at your farmers market or grocery store, be sure to find a cucumber that is firm to the touch and free of any bruises or cuts. To store cucumbers, put them in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator to preserve freshness and until ready to use.

Cucumbers are a perfect healthy snack for older kiddos and they will love them as fun finger foods. You can even puree raw cucumbers with different purees for baby for an added nutritional boost that they will love!

Recipes Using Cucumber: