Both sweet and healthy, papaya is a great food for your baby. It's full of vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and can generally be found year-round. The amount of resulting baby food depends on the size of the papaya you choose. Use a large one, and your entire family will be eating papaya for a week! Freeze the extra purée the same day you make it.

• Slice papaya in half and remove seeds. Cut into small chunks.

• Place in a steamer basket over water, and steam for about 10 minutes, or until very tender.

• Once cool, scrape the papaya from the skin and place into a food processor or blender.

• Purée for about 30 seconds. Add leftover cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue puréeing until papaya is smooth.

• Very ripe papayas can be fork-mashed instead of puréed.