Three Ways With Mangoes

Today, we're diving into the world of delicious and nutritious mangoes and exploring three fantastic ways to serve them for your little ones who may be weaning. Mangoes are not only incredibly tasty but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy growth and development. So, let's get started and discover these three mango preparations suitable for different ages!

Mango Puree:

For our tiny tots who are just beginning their weaning journey, pureed mango is a perfect introduction to this tropical delight. Here's how you can prepare it:

Select a ripe and juicy mango. The mango should give a gentle squeeze and have a pleasant aroma.
Wash the mango thoroughly and peel off the skin.
Cut the mango flesh into small pieces and remove the seed.
Place the mango chunks into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.

If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little water or breast milk/formula to achieve the desired texture.

Mango Spears:
As your little one progresses and develops better hand-eye coordination, you can introduce mango spears. This preparation allows them to hold the mango themselves, providing a sensory and self-feeding experience. Here's how you can make it happen:

Choose a ripe mango and wash it thoroughly.
Peel off the skin and cut the mango into long, thin spears. Make sure to leave the seed intact as a natural handle for your baby to hold onto.
Place the mango spears on a clean, baby-friendly plate or tray.

Encourage your little one to explore the mango spears independently and have fun exploring the textures and flavours.

You can also roll the spears in a seed of your choice for easier holding, they also adopt things like cayenne pepper really well to offer a real taste adventure. However, remember to only add a small amount as this can be quite spicy.

Cubed Mango:
Once your baby has developed chewing skills, cubed mangoes can be introduced. Cubes are a great way to encourage self-feeding and promote fine motor skills. Here's how to prepare them:

Select a ripe mango and give it a good wash.
Peel the skin off and carefully cut the mango flesh into small, bite-sized cubes.
Remove any remaining fibres or strings from the mango.
Place the mango cubes on a child-friendly plate or in a small bowl and serve it to your little one.

Watch as your baby enjoys the newfound independence of picking up and chewing on the delicious mango cubes.

Remember, always closely supervise your baby while they are eating and ensure that the mangoes are prepared in a safe and age-appropriate manner. We would also advise consulting your health visitor before introducing any new foods to your baby's diet, especially if there are concerns about allergies or digestive issues.

Mangoes are a fantastic fruit to include in your baby's diet, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness. With these three simple preparations, you can introduce your little one to the wonderful world of mangoes, one delicious bite at a time. Happy weaning and happy mango munching!