Foodstirs

Fruit and Veggie Cubes

Whether you have a baby in your home or a toddler, Fruit and Veggie Cubes are a great way to ensure that your children get plenty of fruits and veggies!

When making Fruit and Veggie Cubes you have a couple of different options:

— Puréed Ice Cubes, made by blending, are great for babies or toddlers. They make a fun, nutritious snack.

— Flavored Ice Cubes, made by juicing, can be added to smoothies to intensify flavor or to sparkling water as a flavored fruit ice cube.

The important different here is that blending retains the whole of a fruit in liquid form, while juicing separates the fruit juice from the fruit’s fiber/pulp.

Kids can Help:

• Pick out their favorite fruits and vegetables.
• Create their own flavor combinations.
• Press the button on the blender or juicer.

Try these flavorful combinations:

• Strawberry, Apple, Cucumber, Kale & Mint
• Blueberry, Raspberry, Cucumber, & Mint
• Pineapple, Watermelon, & Mango
• Orange, Lemon, Lime, & Ginger
• Pineapple, Orange, Watermelon, & Spinach
• Beets, Blueberries, Strawberries, & Orange
• Carrots, Apples, & Lettuce

Make sure to remember the following when creating your cubes:

• Use a blender for a purée (for smoothies or baby food).
• Use a juicer for ice cubes (to add to water or intensify a smoothie’s flavor).

To make blended cubes:

1. Using a blender or juicer, blend together your child’s favorite combination. Use any of the combinations listed above or create your own.
2. Pour into ice cube trays.
3. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To make layered cubes:

1. Using a blender or a juicer, blend one of your favorite flavors, and pour a small amount of the liquid into each cube’s space.
2. Allow to freeze for 2 hours.
3. Remove from freezer, and repeat step 1 with your second layer of flavor.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Continue repeating steps 1 and 2 until the cubes are filled.
6. Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

~Recipes and photos by Katie Romey, MS, RD, Foodstirs Chef; Text by Jessica Schuster

What’s your favorite flavored cube combination?