Apple Varieties

• There are over 100 different varieties of apples grown in the United States, according to the U.S. Apple Association, but it’s likely you’ll only see 15 or so in your store during an average year. When making baby food, stick to hearty apples that breakdown easily for mashing and pureeing. Start with Macintosh, Braeburn, honeycrisp and gala apples. Avoid using overly tart apples, like Granny Smith, until your baby becomes accustomed to the texture and flavor.

Preparation

• To begin making your baby's food, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the apples and your hands before getting started. Core each apple, leaving on the skin, and then cut it in half. Keep your cuts even for uniform cooking. Place the apples in a baking pan filled with at least 2 to 3 inches of water. Set the apples in the pan upright and bake them for 30 to 40 minutes until the fruit’s flesh is tender and the skin begins to peel away from the apple.

Meal Ideas

• For your baby’s first introduction to apples, peel the skin off your baked apples and puree them until smooth. Once your baby is accustomed to eating apples, incorporate them into sweet and savory dishes. For example, combine peeled and sliced baked apples with oatmeal for breakfast. Or, create a rice pudding with baked apple chunks as a dessert. Once your baby adds meat to her diet, combine baked apple chunks with pureed or sliced chicken for a hearty dinner.

Storing

• You can make homemade, baked apples ahead of time and store them for later use. Store your baked apples in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use them within 48 hours to prevent contamination. If your baby is eating purees, puree the baked apples before placing them in the refrigerator for storage. Don't freeze an apple puree or baked apple slices -- as they might turn brown and slimy. Instead, freeze raw slices of apple and give them to your baby to help relieve pain associated with teething.