How to introduce summer vegetables to baby in a fun way? 

Summer is the season of generosity in the vegetable garden Tomatoes , zucchini , beans, peppers, eggplants … colorful, sun-kissed vegetables are so appealing to babies . How can we get little gourmets to love seasonal vegetables, how can we choose and cook them properly ? That 's what we propose to discover in this article.  

At what age should summer vegetables be introduced?

Vegetables mean dietary diversification.  As recommended by the WHO and Public Health France , you should wait until your baby is 4 months old before introducing them to their first summer vegetables . As you probably know, it's recommended to begin the great adventure of weaning with vegetables , so as ^not to immediately put sugar front and center .   !

Let's also remember that for toddlers, vegetables aren't just a treat for the taste buds: they also provide a wealth of beneficial nutrients. Vitamins, minerals (hello vitamins A, C, and K!). Fiber is also a key ingredient to help baby grow properly… and maintain regular digestion. In short, nothing but goodness on their plate.  !

Finally, if you prepare your child's meals yourself , you will necessarily need to adhere to the season .  : no eggplant in winter  Wait until June to introduce your child to the true taste of summer vegetables .   

What summer vegetables should I offer my baby?

When summer is in full swing, the market stalls dazzle us. Purple or white eggplants, green and yellow zucchini, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, vibrant green peas , and green beans make our mouths water in the blink of an eye . Learn to know them and, above all, to recognize them so you can introduce them to your babies when they 're ⁱⁿ season . It would be a shame to miss out on the delicious taste of summer vegetables, preferably organic . !

How to cook summer vegetables for baby?

When it comes to cooking, summer vegetables offer a wealth of options. Put on your best apron, make sure to wash the vegetables thoroughly, and let yourself be tempted by different cooking methods.  :

·        Gentle steam cooking: to retain maximum vitamins, obtain a tender texture and pleasant flavors;

·        For a perfectly smooth purée: cook a summer vegetable and blend it, without adding any salt or fat initially (you can add a very small amount of vegetable oil from 6 months onwards if needed). Remember that following the steps is extremely important for your child's taste buds. : your puree should therefore be mono- vegetable .

The important thing ,  The key is to vary the vegetables and textures from the very beginning of weaning to encourage acceptance of new tastes and reduce the risk of allergies . ⁴ 

You still have some vegetables on your hands Don't hesitate to freeze them . Your zucchini puree will bring a little sunshine to your baby 's plate this autumn .   !

My baby doesn't like vegetables, what should I do?

Discover our tips to turn baby's NO into a big YES.

·        Start with the mildest flavors (zucchini, carrot, peas ).

·        If he doesn't like the vegetable the first time, try again next time by preparing a recipe with another vegetable or food that he likes.

·        Never force but never give up (offer the vegetable several times, in different textures…)

·        When baby is old enough, try finger food (e.g. sweet potato sticks , pea sticks ...).

Discovering summer vegetables  5 recipes for babies ​  

Summer is bursting with colorful and flavorful vegetables, perfect for delighting your baby. For inspiration, discover each summer vegetable recipe designed for toddlers and find the ideal recipe to gently introduce new tastes.

1. Steamed courgette puree (from 4 months)

This is one of the simplest summer recipes to make. Steam an organic zucchini, blend it very finely… It's ready! No need to add salt!  

2. Artichoke and pea puree (from 6 months)

These aren't vegetables that are often associated, and yet… artichokes and peas go together wonderfully. Steam your artichoke hearts and peas, then blend them. For extra creaminess , you can also add some carrots and a little potato.

3. Eggplant-tomato puree and pasta  ! (from 6 months)

We're extending the summer holidays with a recipe with an Italian flair. Wash, peel , and deseed the eggplants and tomatoes , then cook them in a saucepan. When they are very tender, purée them. Meanwhile , prepare the Risoni Good Taste Mini Pasta . Once cooked, add it to the vegetable purée . A basil leaf for garnish … Mamma Mia !  Your baby will love it .​

4. Cream of courgette and tomato soup (from 6 months)

Your child has already had the chance to discover courgette and tomato Prepare it for him as a duo. In a lovely creamy zucchini and tomato soup . Start by peeling the tomatoes and removing the seeds . Steam the zucchini and tomato , blend, and you're done ! A sweet and tangy recipe that will delight your baby 's taste buds .

Summer vegetables for babies: our 4 tips to remember 💡

·         Respect seasonality: courgette, broccoli, green beans in June–July; tomato, eggplant, sweet squash in August.

·        Prepare recipes with summer vegetables from the start of diversification, ideally around 6 months, with smooth textures. 

·       Opt for steaming, pureeing without salt or spices, and very fine textures.

·        Suggest a simple recipe for each vegetable, highlighting "  steamed, blended, pureed, organic, finely blended.