Shiitake mushroom

Shiitake can be offered from about 6 months once it is thoroughly cooked. More than two thousand edible mushroom species exist. Shiitake is one of the most commonly eaten.

Where it comes from

The name comes from a Japanese phrase that means tree mushroom. In nature it grows on tree trunks. Today it is also grown on cut logs.

Nutrition

Shiitake naturally holds vitamin D and a little B12. That makes it useful for families who eat mostly plants. It also gives fiber, selenium for immune support, and zinc for taste and smell.

Buy from a trusted seller. Always cook the mushroom through. Remove the stem during the baby months.

At six months, chop it fine and stir it into soft foods. You can also cook a large cap whole and serve it without the stem. Baby will not fill up, but will explore the texture. At nine months, small cooked pieces go into egg, bean, or noodle dishes.

Shiitake carries a choking risk for babies. The surface is slippery, and a new eater struggles to break it down. The stem is round and firm.

Take the stem off. Chop the cap fine or cut it into thin strips. Stay beside your baby while they eat.

Shiitake is not a common food allergen. Mushroom allergy is rare but it does happen. Whenever a food is new to baby, begin with just a taste.

Things to know

Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause a skin rash in some people. The rash shows up as red, itchy streaks. Rarely, fever, diarrhea, or lip tingling come along with it. Thorough cooking prevents this.

Mushroom spores can trigger breathing symptoms in sensitive people. People sensitive to pollen can feel a brief itch in the mouth. Mushrooms also contain chitin, which is found in shellfish too.