Radish

When can babies have radish?

Radish can be offered once baby is ready for solids, around 6 months. Cooked and mashed is the best way to start.

Radish gives potassium, some vitamin C, B vitamins, folate and calcium. Red and purple types carry extra antioxidants. The leaves are edible too and provide protein, fiber, vitamin C and calcium.

Where it comes from

Radish grows in many parts of the world and most likely began in Asia. Long white types such as daikon appear in Asian pickles, breads and stews.

Preparation basics

In the early months always cook and mash radish. Later you can offer finely grated raw radish. Pickled radish and kimchi can hold more salt than a baby needs, so rinse them before serving.

Cooked radish leaves, finely chopped, can be stirred into mashes. Roots keep 10 to 14 days in the fridge in a paper bag, while the leaves last only a few days.

Choking risk

Raw, hard vegetables are a choking hazard. Cook radish roots until soft and mash them, or grate raw radish. Make sure baby sits safely and stays within arm's reach during meals.

Allergen status

Radish is not a common allergen. Allergy has been reported, though rarely. Radish may also cause a reaction in people allergic to cruciferous vegetables, for example broccoli and mustard greens.

People with pollen food allergy syndrome, mugwort pollen sensitivity in particular, can get a brief itch or burn inside the mouth from cruciferous vegetables. Cooking can reduce this. Start with a small amount for the first few servings.