Our friends at Future Foody have joined us for Organic Week Aotearoa to share the importance and benefits of eating organic for baby, as well as a yummy little organic recipe you can make for your little one.

What are the key differences between organic / non-organic food?
Organic foods are grown and processed with organic farming methods in mind which exclude certain practices that are normal in conventional farming such as using synthetic or human made fertilisers and pesticides, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. 

What are the benefits for baby?
The first foods we offer our babies can have a positive influence on babies taste preferences, assist with creating a healthy gut, developing immune systems and support their growing brain and body to develop to their full potential.

Organic foods are grown without the use of most synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers and research has shown that organically grown crops are less likely to contain detectable levels of pesticides and some heavy metals.  It has also been found that some organic foods have a higher antioxidant content and organically raised beef and milk may contain higher levels of some healthy fats.

Chicken, quinoa and broccoli purée
By Future Foody Nutritionist Larissa Beeby

For ages 6months+

Ingredients:
1/2 cup organic quinoa 
1 1/2 cup water or bone broth 
1 cup organic broccoli 
1/2 cup organic chicken  

Method:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to the boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer.  Cook until chicken is cooked through and quinoa is tender.  About 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Transfer to a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Adding more water or broth if required to reach the desired consistency.

Thank you so much to Larissa and the team at Future Foody for sharing this wonderful information information with us all, happy organic week! Nb xx