Dried fish is a regular one in many Nigerian and African soups, stews and food. Fish is a good source of protein and with the bones intact, you derive an abundance of calcium which is needed for the development of those young bones and teeth.
The process of drying fish varies from the traditional to more modern methods which all means that water is removed from fresh fish so as to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Most of our fishes are dried using the traditional smoking and salting method, therefore leaving them open to dirt, smoke as well as a high sodium level, which is not good for babies.
To make ground fish for your baby, it is good to ensure that most of those salts, as well as dirt have been eliminated, same as we eliminate them too before cooking. I don’t go out of my way to start breaking fish that i will grind for baby’s meal.
When I am making soup, I break and wash my fish very well. In the process, there are lots of dry bits and bones which i rinse very well and keep for baby’s meal. You can do so too when you are cooking.
How to make Baby’s Ground Dried Fish
- Wash and rinse your fish very well if using whole fish. Break into pieces and wash well again. Don’t forget to include all the soft bones. They are calcium that shouldn’t be throw away.
- Put broken fish pieces in an oven tray and dry in the oven for about 20-30 minutes at 150°C. Alternatively, leave under the sun to dry very well.
- Once dried, use the dry mill of your blender to grind into a powder.
- Store in a jar and use in baby’s food and porridges.
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Dheemy says
Nice!
This was helpful. Will try it out.
Chioma says
Thanks so much Dhemmy.
Busola says
What kind of fish? Nd will d fish be smoked already? Thanks for ur response
Chioma says
Hi Bukola. Any dried fish used in our normal cooking. Dried fish are mostly dried using the smoking method.
MrsJ! says
Thanks a lot. I don’t know why this never crossed my mind. I’ve two toddlers and I sometimes think smoked/dried fish will be too tough on their tender teeth so I resort to using just fresh or iced fish. Will definitely try this out. *big hugs*
Chioma says
You are very welcome MrsJ.
Mrs T says
Can I use fresh fish?
Chioma says
Mrs T,you will have to dry it first before you can use it.
yeti yeye says
can i use microwave to dry it?
Chioma says
If your microwave has a grill…yes.
Buchi says
Can my 6months baby start taking dry fish powder?
Chioma says
Yes, you can add a little to his pureed foods.
Thelma says
Can it be added to a three months old pap and what is the preservation period.
Chioma says
Thelma, a three months old is only meant to take breastmilk for now. It is wrong to give any other food as her body system is not yet developed for it.
Ure says
Won’t it spoil if you was the fish and what if you don’t have oven.. Please what can I do?
Chioma says
Ure, it is dried and wont. I cant think of another option except a dehydrator maybe.
Ola says
Tried it am really so grateful..Thanks for sharing..How long can it last thinking of making the one that would last us 3months or 4
Chioma says
As long as it is properly dried, it will last that long.
Uwem Sunday says
I just came across this this evening, i will promote your site and also will ask you some questions later.
Chioma says
Thank you Uwem.
Jen says
Just saw this. Can I just blend crayfish?
Chioma says
Yes of course