Sweet pepper

Sweet pepper can be served around 6 months, once baby is ready.

The world has more than 50,000 pepper varieties. They all come from chili peppers native to the Americas. Sweet pepper is also called capsicum. It lacks capsaicin, the compound that makes hot peppers burn.

Nutrition

Sweet pepper supplies fiber and folate. Its vitamins include A, B6, C and E. These nutrients help with energy, the gut microbiome, brain development, vision, immune defense, iron absorption and healthy skin. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Pair pepper with iron-rich foods such as beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Removing the skin is not required. But skin can cling inside baby's mouth and make eating harder. Here is an easy way. As soon as the peppers are cooked, put them in a closed container such as a paper or plastic bag. Leave them to steam for a quarter of an hour. Steam separates the skin from the flesh. Peppers from a can or jar work as well.

Sauces, dips and spreads made from pepper are a good option. Expect a lot of spitting with raw pepper. It is normal while a child builds chewing skills.

Raw pepper carries a choking risk. Its firm, slippery texture is the problem. The risk grows when baby has teeth and can bite off pieces. Prepare it as described in the age cards.

Pepper allergy is not common but has been reported. People allergic to latex or some plant pollens may also react to pepper or develop oral allergy syndrome. A mild, passing tingle, itch or sting around the lips and tongue may appear. A dangerous reaction is not expected. Cooking, canning or peeling the pepper can reduce the reaction.

Peppers are in the nightshade family. Being allergic to one nightshade does not strongly predict allergy to the rest. The family also includes tomato, potato, eggplant, goji berry and spices made from peppers.