Fennel

Fennel can be offered with its bulb, fronds, flowers, and seeds from about 6 months. Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region. Today it grows in sandy fields and by roadsides in sunny places around the world.

The onion-like stem, stalks, and lacy fronds are eaten cooked or raw. People grind the flowers and seeds to flavor stews, sauces and spice blends.

Nutrition

Fennel supplies potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and fluid. It carries vitamins C and K as well. It holds plant compounds that act as antioxidants and aid digestion. They help digestion, growth, fluid and electrolyte balance, bone density, blood clotting and the way the body absorbs iron.

At 6 months, cut the outer layers into big wedges and cook until soft. Baby grabs and munches. A little fennel seed can go into dal, kitchari, or grain porridge. Finely chop the fronds and stir into vegetable purée or yogurt.

After 9 months, cut cooked fennel into small pieces or grate raw fennel. At 12 months, give big or thin cooked slices. Raw fennel can also be served as long, flat slices.

Fennel tea can be offered in a cup after the first birthday. Wait until it has cooled. Under 12 months, give nothing but breast milk, formula, and a little water.

Fennel bulb is firm and hard to chew, especially raw or undercooked. This raises the choking risk. Cook it until soft. Offer raw fennel only in cuts that suit an older child. Stay with your child during meals.

Fennel is not a common allergen. Allergy is rare but has been reported. Eating, breathing in, or skin contact with fennel has been linked to allergic reactions in some people. People with pollen food allergy syndrome may be sensitive to fennel too. Higher risk applies to people with birch or mugwort pollen allergy, to those who react to carrot-family foods such as carrot and celery, and to those who react to peaches. This usually means a brief itch, tingle, or burn in the mouth. It is not expected to be dangerous. Cooking lowers the reaction.

Give a small amount in the first servings. If there is no reaction, raise it slowly.