| Tofu - that's just for vegetarians, right?Wrong.Tofu | | | | important, however, to be aware that soy is a |
| is a highly nutritious food that, rather than being | | | | potential |
| seen as just an alternative to meat, should be | | | | allergen. When introducing it to your baby for the |
| included in | | | | very |
| your baby's diet on its own merits!Tofu is part of | | | | first time, watch carefully for any signs of an allergic |
| the legume family. It is fermented soymilk | | | | |
| curd -- the process by which it is made compares to | | | | reaction. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stuffy |
| the way | | | | or runny |
| that cheese is made from milk. Tofu is a rich source | | | | nose, watery or red eyes and wheezing. Should you |
| of | | | | ever |
| protein, calcium, iron, fibre and fatty acids -- key | | | | suspect your baby is allergic to a particular type of |
| components for good nutrition.There are two basic | | | | food, |
| types of tofu -- hard/firm tofu, often | | | | then contact a medical professional immediately).It is |
| used in recipes that needs a consistency which holds | | | | very easy to incorporate tofu into your baby's diet |
| | | | because it has very little taste of its own. Instead, it |
| together well -- and soft or silken tofu, generally | | | | |
| used for | | | | absorbs the flavors of any foods it comes into |
| desserts, smoothies, soups and sauces.Fresh tofu | | | | contact |
| has a sweet aroma when opened -- any sour odour | | | | with.Initially, you could try blending tofu with cottage |
| would indicate that it is stale and should not be used | | | | cheese |
| for | | | | or avocado, for a simple, nutritious meal. Soft tofu |
| your baby. It will keep for seven days in the | | | | creamed |
| refrigerator | | | | with fruit would make a delicious dessert for baby. |
| and should be placed in an airtight container of | | | | Alternatively, tofu can be cut into chunks and |
| water. It | | | | served to |
| is, however, essential that the water is changed on | | | | your baby raw, as a healthy finger food.Taking into |
| a daily | | | | account tofu's extensive nutritional properties, |
| basis. Tofu does not freeze particularly well -- upon | | | | along with its versatility, it would clearly provide a |
| defrosting it becomes somewhat spongy in texture | | | | very |
| and appears | | | | worthwhile boost to most babies' diets.Christine |
| discolored.You can introduce this versatile and | | | | Albury is the author of a site providing a range of |
| healthy food to your | | | | recipes for baby's first year, plus information, tips and |
| baby once he/she is at least 8 months of age. (It is | | | | advice for successful infant feeding. |