It all began back in the summer of 1927 in the kitchen of Daniel and Dorothy Gerber. After growing tired of straining peas by hand, Mrs. Gerber suggested that her husband take some peas to the family business -- Fremont Canning Company -- where they produced a line of canned fruit and vegetables. Experiments with strained foods followed, and by late 1928, baby food was ready for the national market. The rest, as they say, is history.
The cute little baby on the Gerber food jars was only a preliminary charcoal sketch originally, but the powers that be at the company thought the little tyke was so adorable they decided to keep it permanently. To this day, that baby is one of the most recognizable trademarks in marketing history.
Gerber Baby Food Top 10 Best Sellers1. Bananas
2. Applesauce
3. Sweet Potatoes
4. Pears
5. Carrots
6. Peaches
7. Apple Juice
8. Squash
9. Apricots
10. Green Beans
Go figure! The empire began with peas and today these morsels can't even break the top 10. If you are wary of the additives in store-bought baby foods, consider growing your own -- pesticide free. Follow these tips from Paul:
Baby Corn - The main difference in growing baby corn compared to the regular size is to plant the seeds closer together and harvest earlier.
- Plant the seeds after all danger of frost has passed - from mid-May to mid-June in most areas.
- Make sure the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees F.
- Instead of planting one seed every foot, plant four.
- In the first month take special care to keep the crop weed free. A layer of organic mulch will help.
Note: Never use pesticides when you are growing vegetables for your children. You want only organic, high-quality, natural ingredients going into your baby.
- The mini-ears of corn should be ready to harvest anywhere from 60 to 80 days after planting. Remember to harvest them before the silks turn brown or when the ears are about three inches long.
Baby Carrots - The secret to growing baby carrots is much the same as corn.
- Carrots prefer cool weather. For best success sow the seeds three weeks before the last predicted frost.
- Get the bed ready by loosening the soil a foot deep and mix in plenty of compost.
- The easiest way to plant baby carrots is to rake the bed smooth and broadcast the seeds over the top of the soil. Cover with a layer of mulch, which keeps weeds out and moisture in.
- Carrots need plenty of water - 1/2 inch or so every four days and more in hotter weather.
Note: In most areas of the country there's little need for pest control with carrots. Rotating the crops and planting with plenty of compost will usually take care of any potential problem.
- Baby carrots are ready to harvest 70 to 90 days after planting. They should pull up from the ground easily. If you have to tug they will still be edible but not as tender. Once they're picked, carrots will stay firm and fresh for about a month in the bottom drawer of your refrigerator.
Remember: You also can buy organic baby food in most health food stores.
