Spices play a main role in the taste development of a baby. These spices add variety and make food appealing for babies. The best time to start giving the spices to the baby is from eight (8) months. Because of their benefits and light taste they are also called baby-friendly herbs and spices.
Thyme, oregano, cinnamon, paprika, curry powder, cumin, parsley, turmeric, and more are a wide range of herbs and spices.
Following are the benefits of different herbs and spices:
- Paprika:
One of the super spices that have antioxidant properties and helps in the prevention of cancer, and heart diseases and also improve the digestive system.
Usage in food:
A small quantity of this spice gives a boost to the food. It can be used in omelets, potatoes, kinds of pasta, and soups. Also, it enhances the vegetable puree taste such as broccoli, zucchini, potato, etc.
- Parsley:
Parsley provides vitamin A, C, K, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It prevents cancer, diabetes, and bone weakness.
Usage in Food:
It can be added to an omelet, steamed or grilled potatoes, salads, and chicken.
- Oregano:
Oregano is the main source of vitamin K, E, iron, calcium, and manganese. It helps in fighting infections and contains antioxidants which help in averting the cells.
Use in food:
It can be sprinkled on pasta, rice, and meat. Shred the pieces of chicken and add them to them. Babies love its taste.
- Turmeric:
This golden spice has some golden benefits on human health. It is so beneficial that it can help prevent skin and heart diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. It helps in digesting food and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Use in food:
it can be added to omelets or in making meat and chicken.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the most used spice in the US and Europe. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also prevents diabetes and different microbes.
It has a sweet taste and a different aroma that enhances the flavor of food.
Use in food:
It can add to french toast and rice balls.
- Basil:
Basil is one of the extent spices that helps in bowel issues. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and also in the digestion of food. It contains vitamin A, K, calcium, iron, and manganese.
Uses in food:
It can be added to zucchini, soup, sauces, and meat. Also, it can be added to baked items. Hance is the best product to add flavor to bland purres.
- Ginger:
Ginger is considered a magical spice with cancer-fighting properties. It’s an antioxidant and provides better digestion.
Usage in food:
It can be added in pure like apple, carrot, and peach puree. Also can be added to yogurt.
- Thyme:
One of the super pieces full of health benefits with nutrients like vitamin A and C.
Use in food:
It can be added to pasta or boiled potatoes. Can enhance the taste of chicken and noodles too.
- Rosemary:
Rosemary is a part of the mint family which is helpful in digestion. It also improves the concentration level and brain aging.
Usage in food:
It is more beneficial to use it in winters as it gives warmth to the body. Soups and portions of pasta have a good combination with rosemary.
Spices that go well with one another:
Different spices can be mixed and uplift the taste of food. Putting the spices in one bottle can help you netter instead of adding all of them separately.
You can follow the below steps to make a good bottle of all spices that can make your work easy and food tastes better.
- 1tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of cumin powder
- 1 tbsp of coriander powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of coriander
- 1 tbsp of turmeric powder
A pinch of these mixed spices can be added to any of babies’ food.
The seasoning that pairs well with beef and meat:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Cumin
- Coriander powder
- Onion
- Black pepper
- Basil
- Peppermint
The seasoning that goes well with fish:
- Basil
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary
- Chives
Salmon fish, tilapia, and cod are best to choose for babies and toddlers as they are low in mercury.
Lemon and olive oil put more flavor besides all the above-mentioned spices. Also marinated fish can stay fresh in the freezer for 2 to 3 days and without marination for 30 days.
Substitute for Salt:
Three Spices that can be used as a substitute for salt are
- Basil (1 teaspoon)
- Oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Lemon or Lime zest (1 teaspoon)
Basil(1tsp) | Oregano(1tsp) | Lemon or Lime zest(1tsp) |
You can mix all of these and put them in an airtight jar. A pinch of this mixture can flavor up the baby’s food. It can be given to a 6-month baby.
