First foods database
🥦 Purple sprouting broccoli for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat purple sprouting broccoli? Yes, from about 6 months. Its long, tender stems make a fantastic finger food, and it has a sweeter, more delicate flavour than ordinary broccoli.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Iron
How to serve purple sprouting broccoli by age
6 to 9 months
Steam until the stems are very soft and offer whole spears to hold, or blend with potato or peas into a smooth purée. Leave a little stalk on as a handle, as with ordinary broccoli.
9 to 12 months
Chop soft spears into small pieces for pincer grip, or mix into pasta and risotto. It cooks faster than broccoli, so check it often.
12 months and up
Serve cooked spears whole or chopped as a side, in stir-fries or with a little butter.
Choking safety
Thin stems can be fibrous if undercooked. Cook until they squash easily and trim any woody ends.
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
- Iron in vegetables is better absorbed with vitamin C, which this broccoli already provides.
Easy ideas
- Spears with soft cheese dip
- Purple broccoli pasta with parmesan
- Broccoli and salmon fishcakes
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat purple sprouting broccoli?
Can babies eat purple sprouting broccoli? Yes, from about 6 months. Its long, tender stems make a fantastic finger food, and it has a sweeter, more delicate flavour than ordinary broccoli.
Is purple sprouting broccoli the same as tenderstem?
No, they are different varieties, but both are good finger foods cooked soft. Tenderstem is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale.
Does purple broccoli stay purple when cooked?
It usually turns dark green when cooked. This is normal.
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).