Steaming versus boiling

[TDR'smom]

I have a silly question. :?   I would like to prepare my own babyfood however I do not own a steamer.  When it says to "Steam" fruits or vegetables, could I put them in a little bit of boiling water instead?  I tried it with Sweet potato and it seemed to work all right but am nervous to try it with fruits such as pears and apples.

[carolyn]

I think as long as you use a little bit of water and don't submerge the veggies you are ok.  If you boil them, you cook the nutrients out of the veggie and into the water.  You can always use the water to help puree them if you need to.

You can poach apples and pears in a little bit of water or juice.  I used white grape juice.  Just find one without any added sugar.

[Deb_in_oz]

it is fine - steaming preserves more nutrients as they leech into the water, but i found that when i go to puree or mash instead of adding outside water to thin it - use the water the food was boiled in - especially pear "juice"

the only food i have read to really try not to boil (but i always do anyway :oops: ) is carrots because of nitrites (?).  unless your carrots are labeled as nitrite free.  that is a time when frozen carrots or baby food carrots are probably better than homemade.