J.L.
When my older son (he is 9 years) was a baby, I tasted that food. NASTY!!! I spit it out and made faces!!:) He had #1 & some #2 foods then I would grind up his food. I had a small Black & Decker Handychopper. It was easy to clean and could keep it right on the counter.
I plan on grinding up foods for my 6 month old when he is ready for a chunkier blend of food. We are still in stage 1 foods, which he loves.