Goji berry

Goji berries can be offered once your baby is about 6 months old and ready for solids. They are also called wolfberries.

Goji is a small, vivid red berry native to East Asia. Its name comes from the Chinese word gǒuqǐ. Traditional Chinese cooking and medicine both use it. It is mostly sold dried and known for its sweet-tart taste and vivid color. Today it grows around the world and appears in smoothies, teas, soups and trail mixes.

It contains fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin E and folate, with varying iron. Vitamin C supports immunity. Carotenoids such as zeaxanthin help eye health.

Leave dried goji in hot water for a quarter of an hour until fully soft. Then chop finely, mash or purée. Serve alone, stir into oatmeal or yogurt, or add to soups and stews.

Start small and raise the amount as your baby tolerates. Too much fiber can cause gas or loose stools.

Goji juice can be given in small amounts after 12 months. Still, regular juice raises the risk of cavities and fills the belly, which can reduce appetite for meals. Waiting until the child is older is better.

Goji berries are small and firm, and they are tough to chew. These traits raise the choking risk.

Do not give dried berries whole. Soak and mash or chop them. Most children reach the molars and skill to chew dried goji around age 3. Teach by showing: use your tongue to push the food back to your molars and chew, then open your mouth to show it broken down. Start with one or two berries. Hold off on granola and trail mix with dried goji until the child can eat the dried berries alone. Stay beside your baby during the meal.

Goji allergy is uncommon but has been reported. People with oral allergy syndrome (pollen food allergy) may be more sensitive to goji, especially if they are allergic to nuts, tomato or peach. The syndrome causes a short-lived itch, tingle or sting in the mouth. Cooking may reduce or even remove the reaction.

Dried goji may be preserved with sulfites. People sensitive to sulfites, especially those with asthma, may have breathing difficulty, rashes or digestive symptoms. Look on the label for sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite or the metabisulfite forms of potassium and sodium.

Goji can interact with some medications. If your child takes medication, ask the pediatrician before offering it.

As with any new food, start with a small amount for the first meals.