How to Make Blueberry Puree for Babies

Step 1: Select & Buy Blueberries

Best for babies who are ready for multi-fruit or veggie purees, sweet-tart blueberries make a serendipitous match with sweet apple, pear, and banana purees. You can make blueberry puree with fresh or frozen berries; buy fresh in the summer and frozen the rest of the year for high-quality, affordable blueberries. When purchasing fresh blueberries, look for purple fruit that has uniform color and is free of nicks, bruises, and other blemishes. Since blueberries are part of the "dirty dozen" -- foods with the highest pesticide residue -- it's a good idea to buy organic. Half a cup of blueberries yields about four ounces of puree.

Step 2: Wash the Blueberries

Wash blueberries with a mixture of three parts water and one part white vinegar to remove bacteria. Rinse under cool running water and dry.

Step 3: Steam the Blueberries if Underripe or Frozen

If your blueberries are ripe, skip this step and move on to step 4. If you're working with blueberries that are underripe or are frozen, place the fruit in a steamer and cook for three minutes.

Step 4: Puree or Mash the Blueberries

Drain blueberries and rinse with cold water for three minutes in a colander to stop the cooking process. Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.

For chunkier blueberry puree, which is ideal for babies 10 months or older, mash the blueberries with a potato masher instead of pureeing it.

RELATED: Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes

Step 5: Serve Blueberry Puree

If blueberries are very sweet, serve puree plain. To introduce your baby to new textures and flavors, or to make the most of puree from more tart blueberries, mix the puree with sweeter fruit puree, oatmeal, or full-fat yogurt. Try mixing blueberry puree with:

• Applesauce and cinnamon
• Pear
• Peach
• Banana
• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• Baby oatmeal

Step 6: Freeze Leftover Blueberry Puree

If you steamed the blueberries, let the puree cool and then refrigerate leftovers in BPA-free containers for up to 3 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator.

Note: Always check with your pediatrician before introducing your baby to a new food, particularly if your baby has food allergies. Additionally, some pediatricians do not recommend making your own carrot, beet, or spinach puree because these fresh veggies can be higher in nitrates.

Copyright © 2011 Meredith Corporation.

• By Heather Morgan Shott Photos by Ivee Stephens