Passion fruit
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- low
- Common allergen
- no
- Iron
- low
Ripe pulp only · no peel or pith
When can babies eat passion fruit?
Ripe passion fruit pulp together with its seeds, which hold plenty of fiber, can be offered once your baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months.
The fruit is a hard-shelled berry of a climbing vine. It originated in tropical South America, where it is called maracuya. Its color ranges from deep purple to golden yellow, orange and rusty red. A ripe one has a sweet smell and wrinkled skin, and it is heavy and solid when you hold it. You can hear the pulp slosh when you shake it.
The pulp has vitamins A and C, which support immunity and help the body absorb iron from plant foods. It also holds minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc. Seeds can be eaten too and add fiber.
Ripe pulp only
The pulp of unripe fruit, and the leaves, peel and pith of ripe or unripe fruit, can be toxic. Ripe fruit smells sweet and has wrinkled skin.
How do you prepare passion fruit for babies?
Not on its own
The pulp can be hard for a baby to eat by itself, and your baby may get frustrated. Offer it with, or mixed into, a food that has protein such as yogurt.
Frozen purée
If you cannot find fresh fruit, frozen purée is an option. The pulp and seeds can stay in the freezer for as long as 8 months. Know that purée is often sweetened, so read the label.
Juice
No juice of any kind before 12 months. Once your child is past the first birthday, a daily amount under 4 ounces, watered down, is fine. Waiting until age 2 is still better. Passion fruit juice often has added sugar.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
6 months
6 months · How to prepare as pulpmash
Spoon out the jelly-like pulp with its seeds from a ripe passion fruit. Stir it into warm porridge or yogurt for hand scooping. For spoon practice, blend it with something sticky, for example thick Greek yogurt or ricotta, load the spoon and hold it out in the air. If you serve it alone, add something filling like yogurt on the side. Do not hand over a halved fruit with the peel and white pith, as these are toxic.
12 months
12 months · How to add to dishesmash
Go on stirring the pulp and seeds into yogurt, hot cereal, or any dish that could use a sour edge. After 18 months you can blend it into tropical smoothies. Go easy because it is very acidic, and too much may cause belly aches and diaper rash.
Is passion fruit a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: low
The pulp and seeds are not a choking risk for babies. Remove the seeds if they worry you. Do not give the peel or pith.
The pulp and seeds are not a choking risk for babies. In theory, any food can cause choking. There is no data showing the seeds are dangerous, and babies over 6 months can eat them.
If the seeds worry you, strain the pulp before serving. Stay close while your baby eats and keep them upright.
Is passion fruit a common allergen?
Passion fruit is not a common allergen. Latex allergy can make a person sensitive to it too.
The fruit is naturally acidic. Too much may upset the stomach, bring on a rash on the face that is harmless, or make diaper rash worse. The rash fades within minutes once the skin is gently cleaned.
Give a small amount the first few times. If there is no reaction, increase the portion.
Latex allergy
If your baby or family has a latex allergy, ask your doctor before offering the fruit.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about passion fruit
Can babies eat passion fruit seeds?
Yes. The seeds are edible and a source of fiber. Strain them out if they worry you.
Can babies have unripe passion fruit?
No. The pulp of unripe fruit can be toxic. Choose only ripe, fragrant fruit with wrinkled skin. Do not give the peel or pith.
Is passion fruit a good food for babies?
Yes, when ripe. It gives vitamins A and C, minerals and fiber. Because it is very acidic, serve small amounts.
Sources for this page
- Spencer KC, Seigler DS. (1983). Cyanogenesis of Passiflora edulis. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf00118a028
- dos Reis LCR, Facco EMP, Salvador M, Flôres SH, de Oliveira Rios A. (2018). Antioxidant potential and physicochemical characterization of yellow, purple and orange passion fruit. Journal of Food Science and Technology. doi:10.1007/s13197-018-3190-2
- Heyman MB, Abrams SA, SECTION ON GASTROENTEROLOGY, HEPATOLOGY, AND NUTRITION, COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION, Heitlinger LA, Cabana MD, et al. (2017). Fruit Juice in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Current Recommendations. Pediatrics. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0967
- ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, Fidler Mis N, Braegger C, Bronsky J, Campoy C, Domellöf M, et al. (2017). Sugar in Infants, Children and Adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000001733
- Brehler R, Theissen U, Mohr C, Luger T. (1997). “Latex‐fruit syndrome”: frequency of cross‐reacting IgE antibodies. Allergy. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.1997.tb01019.x
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
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Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com