Loquat

You can offer loquat once baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months. The seeds are a choking risk. They also contain a substance the body can convert to cyanide. Never serve it before every seed is out.

The fruit comes from East Asia. Today it grows in warm climates. It is also called Japanese plum, nispero and pipa. Its botanical relatives include apples, pears and quince.

It gives vitamin A, vitamin B6 and fiber. It is rich in carotenoids. Yellow-fleshed fruit has more beta-carotene. White-fleshed fruit has more lutein.

General tips

Pick only ripe, soft fruit. Remove all seeds. The skin is edible. Peel it if it seems hard to chew. The skin of yellow fruit holds far more carotenoids than the flesh.

Do not serve seeds or seed powder. Some cultures use them as medicine, but be cautious with babies.

Jam and desserts

Jam, jelly and desserts usually contain added sugar. A taste now and then is fine. Wait until close to age 2 to serve them regularly. Even then, keep portions small.

Firm, unripe flesh and the seeds can cause choking. Serve only ripe, soft fruit. Take out every seed before serving.

The skin is not high risk but can be hard to chew. Stay next to baby for the whole meal.

Loquat rarely causes allergy, though cases have been reported. People sensitive to related fruits like apple, apricot, almond or plum may react in a similar way. For people allergic to birch pollen, pollen food allergy syndrome is possible in theory. The sign is usually short itching or burning in the mouth. Peeling and cooking can reduce the reaction.

For the first servings give a small amount on its own. Watch baby closely. If there is no reaction, raise the amount slowly.