Asparagus

You can start asparagus once your baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months.

Asparagus grows in sunny places. The young, tender spears are picked before the skin turns woody and the buds at the tip open. Many people think of it as a green vegetable, yet purple and white types exist. Their flavors differ a little, some more grassy and some sweeter.

Folate supports cell health and the making of amino acids. Vitamin B6 helps a child process protein and carbohydrate. Fiber, including prebiotic fiber, is good for digestion and the microbiome. Green and purple spears hold more vitamin A, plant iron and antioxidants than white ones.

Cooking and cutting

Pierce a spear with a fork to check that it is soft. Steaming or boiling can leave spears floppy and hard for small hands to hold. Grilling, sautéing or roasting keeps them sturdier.

A whole spear does not add much to the belly. It is still great practice for tongue movement and chewing. To get more food in, split cooked spears lengthwise, chop them and stir them into egg dishes, grain salads or mashed vegetables.

As your child grows

At 9 months babies start to pick up small bits between two fingers. It is time to cut cooked spears into smaller pieces. Cut lengthwise first, then chop. You can still offer a whole spear for biting and tearing practice.

At 18 months a whole spear, chopped pieces, or asparagus folded into soft dishes all work. Many children can try raw asparagus at this age. It is woody and fibrous, so expect a lot of spitting until close to age 2.

Gas and storage

Asparagus can cause gas and belly discomfort because of its carbohydrate and fiber content. Certain sugars (raffinose) and fructans are hard to digest. Fiber travels undigested to the large intestine, where bacteria ferment it and produce gas. Start slowly and build up over time.

Store spears in the fridge, wrapped in a damp cloth or standing in a glass of water. Nutrients decline within a few days, which is why spears are best cooked soon after purchase.

Yes, asparagus can be a choking risk. It is cylindrical and hard to chew.

Surprisingly, chopped asparagus is riskier than a whole spear. A small round piece may go down whole when baby does not chew it. A whole spear gets chewed soft and flat, or triggers a strong gag. So cut small pieces lengthwise first. Stay within arm's reach while your baby eats.

Asparagus is not a common allergen. Allergy is rare but has been reported. People sensitive to plants in the lily and onion family (Liliaceae), such as shallots, may face a higher chance of asparagus allergy. Handling it may bring on hives or contact dermatitis.

Start with a small amount at the first meals. If nothing unusual happens, raise it slowly over later meals.