Peaches evoke images of the Southern Region of the United States; typically the state of Georgia. The peach is now also grown in California, and even in Texas and Colorado amongst other US states. In the South, peaches are used in pies, cakes, drinks and other desserts. They are also used to spice up or lend a new and exotic flavour to main dishes.

Peaches are naturally "fuzzy" and the majority of Peaches found in your local grocery store are "fuzzless" This is due to manufactures/produce companies "shaving" peaches prior to taking them to market. Once picked, a Peach will not get any more sweet or ripe. A Peach will however become softer and will also become more juicy. Peaches are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A and they contain a great amount of fiber. Peaches are known to have a diuretic affect and also are a natural laxative. Along with Prunes, the Peach is a great fruit to give to your baby if constipation has become a problem.

Babies may begin to eat Peaches anywhere after 6 (six) months old. Peaches may be poached, steamed or baked. Please be aware that Peaches tend to loose their nutritive value with prolonged cooking. Baking peaches or using a microwave to steam them may be the best choice of cooking for optimal nutrient retention!
Peaches may be fed to your baby in pureed form alone or mixed into cereals, yogurts, and even in meats such as chicken. Frozen peach slices stuffed into a baby safe feeder are GREAT to help alleviate teething pain! Ripe peaches, or gently cooked peaches, may be diced into small cubes and fed to your baby as a Baby Finger Foods. If you find the dices are too slippery for baby to pick up, coat the dices with crushed and powdered Cheerios or with Wheat Germ.

PEACHES: (one medium w/skin)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 524 IU
Vitamin C - 19 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 5.5 mcg
Niacin - .97 mg

MINERALS:
Potassium - 193 mg
Phosphorus - 12 mg
Magnesium - 6.9 mg
Calcium - 5 mg
Selenium - .4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, manganese and copper.

PEACH RECIPES* Not all of these recipes will be appropriate for some infants due to an infants age

Peach Rice Pudding

2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup honey *leave out for babies under 1 yr. old)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups cooked short- or medium-grain rice
1/3 cup raisins
1 cup low-fat, peach-flavored yogurt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, honey, eggs, and vanilla. Add cooked rice and raisins and mix well. Pour mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Cover and bake for 40 minutes, stirring twice during cooking time. Remove pudding from oven and let cool. Stir in yogurt and cinnamon. Tastes great warm or cold. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Peaches & Tapioca

½ Cup Water
1/3 Cup Quick-cooking Tapioca
1 Peeled & pitted Peach
½ Cup Vanilla Yogurt

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually add tapioca, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low & cook 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Separately puree the peach & add to the mixture. Blend tapioca with yogurt & peach.

Peach Pie

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
5 peaches, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
2. Prepare pastry or use pre-packages pastry and put bottom crust in a 9-inch pie pan.
3. In a large skillet combine sugars, cornstarch, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla.
4. Fold in peaches and simmer for 5 minutes or until filling thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
6. Spoon filling into prepared pie pan.
7. Fit top crust on top of filling.
8. Crimp and seal edges.
9. Cut slits in dough on top of pie.
10. Place pie on baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
11. Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for 45 more minutes or until crust is brown and filling is bubbly