Ginger for Baby

Love me some ginger! This aromatic, pungent and spicy root has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating tummy troubles. If baby or toddler is suffering from gas, ginger may help, as it’s regarded as an excellent carminative, or substance that promotes the elimination of intestinal gas. Not only will ginger help soothe upset tummies, it also possesses other therapeutic properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects! A small amount of ginger goes a long way, and it’s very easy to find year-round. It’s a great addition to yummy herbal teas, fruit and veggie juices, and puree’s for baby. 

 

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Ginger 

Ginger may not be rich in many vitamins and minerals, but the healing properties of this anti-inflammatory root  more than make up for it.

Vitamins
Vitamin C – this vitamin helps heal small cuts and wounds and boosts the immune system
Folate – plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair and encourages cell and tissue growth

Minerals
Potassium – this mineral works with sodium to help control water balance in the body and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure
Magnesium – this electrolyte mineral is essential for maintaining strong bones and a steady heart rhythm
Phosphorus – helps built strong bones and is important for muscle contractions, blood clotting and healthy kidney function

How to Select and Store Ginger for Baby Food

Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form since it has superior flavor and contains higher levels of ginger’s anti-inflammatory compound. You can find fresh ginger root at your local grocery store or farmers market. Make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold before purchasing. If you can’t find fresh, or would rather use dried ginger, make sure it’s tightly sealed in a glass container and kept in a cool dark place. You can even store it in your refrigerator where it will keep for up to a year. Fresh, unpeeled ginger can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

When preparing ginger, you’ll need to remove the skin with a paring knife. The ginger can then be sliced, minced or sliced very thinly, or julienned. Ginger has a very distinct, sharp taste, so be sure to start with a small amount and go from there. Baby’s taste buds will love the zesty, fresh flavor of ginger added to some of their favorite purees, juices or even hot water for a homemade tummy-soothing tea!

Recipes Using Ginger: