First foods database
🥔 Jerusalem artichoke for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat Jerusalem artichoke? Yes, from about 6 months once cooked soft. This nutty little tuber is rich in a fibre called inulin, so it can make some babies windy; start with small amounts.
Good source of: Iron, Fibre, Potassium, Thiamin
How to serve jerusalem artichoke by age
6 to 9 months
Scrub or peel, then boil or roast until soft. Mash with potato or blend into a smooth soup. Roasted soft halves can be held as finger food. Their skins are thin, so a good scrub is enough if you are blending them smooth, though peeling gives a silkier result.
9 to 12 months
Mix diced cooked pieces into mash or risotto, or serve a creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup with toast fingers. Try mixing them with carrot or squash to balance the earthy flavour.
12 months and up
Serve roasted, in soups or in gratins with the family.
Choking safety
Raw Jerusalem artichoke is crunchy like water chestnut, so cook it until soft for babies and toddlers. Make sure roasted halves are soft all the way through, not just on the outside.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Its inulin fibre can cause wind. Mix it with other vegetables at first.
Easy ideas
- Jerusalem artichoke and potato mash
- Creamy artichoke soup
- Roasted artichokes with thyme
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat jerusalem artichoke?
Can babies eat Jerusalem artichoke? Yes, from about 6 months once cooked soft. This nutty little tuber is rich in a fibre called inulin, so it can make some babies windy; start with small amounts.
Is Jerusalem artichoke the same as globe artichoke?
No. It is a tuber, like a small knobbly potato, and not related to globe artichoke.
Why does Jerusalem artichoke cause wind?
It contains inulin, a fibre that gut bacteria ferment. Small amounts help.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).