Adventures in baby-food Making: Spinach

Sawyer the Sailor Man

When I think of spinach, I think of Popeye.  If you have met my son you have probably noticed his massive forearms that resemble Popeye’s, so it only seemed fitting to go with Spinach for his next veggie. And I'll admit, while making it we even sang “He’s Sawyer the Sailor Man” a few times. He seems to like them so far, however, I will probably stick to store bought organics just because of cost. Spinach is a shrinking veggie when you cook it and you have to buy tons just to get a small amount.

3 large bunches from the Farmer's Market

Steps

1. Separate leaves from roots and stems, discard the roots & stems

2. Clean and scrub leaves, wash several times in lukewarm water. Toss into large skillet

3. Cook covered without water except the droplets left from cleaning the leaves.

4. Reduce heat when steam forms and turn leaves with forks frequently for 3-5 minutes

5. Put in blender and mix until pureed.

6. Put in storage containers, freeze or refrigerator depending on when you plan to use them.

Yummy!

Sawyer & Grandpa played while Grandma and I cooked

The Math

You win some you lose some, and compared to Green Beans this is definitely a loss. It turns out great but there isn’t any cost savings for making your own baby food spinach.

HOME-MADE

3 large bunches of Asian spinach at Farmer’s Market ($1 each) made 7.5 oz. of baby food = $3.00

Total cost per ounce = 40 cents

STORE BOUGHT

Gerber 1st Foods SmartNourish Organic baby food (spinach) comes in 2 – 2.5 containers for $1.59 each, so 22 ounces = $6.99

Total cost per ounce = 32 cents

TOTAL SAVINGS PER OUNCE =  - 8 cents