Curry for Baby

Curry may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to feeding baby, but this fragrant spice is a delicious and nutritious way to stimulate your little one’s taste buds. Curry spice is made up of numerous spices, including cumin, cardamom, coriander, turmeric (which gives curry its signature yellow hue) dry mustard and cayenne. Turmeric deserves special mention, as it has numerous anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to help decrease the growth of certain cancer cells and help prevent the inflammatory process involved in Alzheimer’s disease. So go ahead and add some vibrant curry powder to baby’s veggie puree or kiddo’s chicken dinner. You’ll be helping to broaden their palate while providing them with the many nutritional benefits curry offers.

 

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Curry

Vitamins

Vitamin B6 – important for the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates and is needed for baby’s developing brain
Vitamin K – this vitamin is vital for the blood clotting process and bone health
Vitamin E – a potent antioxidant, vitamin E boosts the immune system and helps the body fight harmful germs
Folate – this B vitamin helps support a healthy nervous system and brain

Minerals

Manganese – a potent antioxidant that helps protect baby’s cells from damage and free radicals
Iron – essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen to other cells
Magnesium – helps regulate energy production within the cell and is needed for healthy bones and teeth
Copper – this trace mineral helps to form collagen which is essential for healthy bones and connective tissues
Calcium – necessary for building strong bones and teeth and for converting food into energy

How to Select and Store Curry for Baby Food  

The best place to buy curry powder is from an Asian or Indian grocery, as they tend to have a fast turnover and the blends will be fresher. Store the curry powder in an airtight container that is kept in a cool, dark place, since spices spoil quicker when exposed to light and air. Spices stored this way should last about three to six months.

Curry has a unique, bold flavor that will help broaden baby and kiddo’s palate, along with helping reduce any disease-causing inflammation. Simply add a pinch to sweet potato or squash purees as a fun twist for baby or sprinkle on chicken for kiddo. It also goes surprisingly well with sweeter dishes, like an apple and butternut puree. The options are numerous when it comes to this nutritious spice, and baby and kiddo will love it!

Recipes using Curry