Properly storing homemade baby food in jars is essential to maintain its safety and nutritional value. The method and duration depend on whether you plan to store it for a few days or longer.
Storing Homemade Baby Food in Jars
When preparing homemade baby food for storage in jars, a key initial step is sterilising the jars themselves. Once the food is prepared and cooled, it can be portioned into the sterilised jars.
Storage Methods and Durations
The storage time for homemade baby food in jars varies depending on where you store it. Based on standard recommendations:
| Storage Location | Maximum Duration | Ideal Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2–3 days | - | For short-term storage. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 year | Within 3 months | General guideline. |
| Freezer | Within 6 months | - | Specific for food containing milk, meat, or fish. |
Key Storage Times:
- In the fridge, homemade baby food in jars can be stored for 2–3 days.
- In the freezer, it can generally be stored for up to 1 year.
- However, if the food contains milk, meat, or fish, it should be eaten within 6 months when stored in the freezer.
- Ideally, frozen homemade baby food should be consumed within 3 months of making it for best quality.
Practical Storage Tips
- Sterilise Jars: Before filling, ensure jars are properly sterilised to eliminate bacteria.
- Cool Completely: Always let the food cool completely before sealing the jars and placing them in the fridge or freezer.
- Portion Size: Fill jars with appropriate portion sizes to avoid waste once thawed or opened.
- Labeling: Label each jar with the contents and the date it was made. This helps you track freshness and adhere to storage guidelines.
- Leave Headspace: When freezing, leave a small amount of space (headspace) at the top of the jar to allow for expansion as the food freezes.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen baby food safely in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze thawed baby food.
Following these guidelines will help ensure the homemade baby food you store in jars remains safe and nutritious for your baby.
