It's that time of month! Here's our guide to November's best produce for baby, followed by a few of our favorite pairings to get you started.
Fruits
- Apple — Gentle, sweet, and full of fiber. Steam or bake until soft, then blend into a silky compote that pairs with almost anything.
- Pear — Naturally sweet and easy to digest, with fiber to keep little tummies happy. Ripe pears blend beautifully on their own.
- Kiwi — A vitamin C powerhouse. Peel and mash ripe kiwi, or swirl it into apple or pear purée for a tangy twist.
- Orange — Bright, juicy, and rich in vitamin C. Use segments (membranes and seeds removed) or a splash of fresh juice to brighten carrot or beet purées.
Fall Vegetables
- Carrot — A nursery classic packed with beta-carotene for healthy eyes and skin. Steam until very tender for the smoothest purée.
- Beet — Earthy, sweet, and gorgeously pink, with folate and iron. Roast for deeper flavor, and keep a bib handy (beets stain!)
- Turnip — Mild and slightly peppery once cooked, with vitamin C and fiber. Blend with apple or carrot to mellow its flavor.
- Pumpkin — The star of late autumn, loaded with vitamin A and naturally creamy when roasted. Choose a small sugar or pie pumpkin for the sweetest results.
Greens & Gentle Alliums
- Leek — The softer, sweeter cousin of the onion and a staple of French home cooking. Clean well between layers, then sauté or steam the white and light-green parts until meltingly tender.
- Celery — Adds a fresh, savory note along with vitamin K. Peel away the stringy outer fibers and cook until soft before blending.
- Cabbage — Mild when cooked, with vitamin C and vitamin K. Start with small amounts, as it can make some babies a little gassy.
- Bok Choy — Tender, mild, and rich in calcium and vitamin A. Steam briefly and blend into potato-style or pumpkin purées for a gentle green boost.
Our Favorite November Pairings
With twelve ingredients in the basket, the combinations are endless — here are a few to try first:
- Apple + Pear + Cinnamon — A cozy orchard compote, perfect for le goûter.
- Carrot + Orange — Sweet and sunny, with a citrusy lift.
- Pumpkin + Apple — Creamy, comforting, and naturally sweet.
- Beet + Pear — Earthy meets sweet in the prettiest pink purée.
- Leek + Turnip — A baby-friendly nod to classic French potage.
- Bok Choy + Pumpkin — An easy way to sneak in leafy greens.
- Kiwi + Pear — Bright, tangy, and refreshing.
