First foods database
🌿 Tarragon for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have tarragon? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Tarragon is a soft herb with a gentle aniseed flavour, and it is a lovely way to add taste to chicken, egg and fish dishes without salt.
Good source of: Flavour, Antioxidants
How to serve tarragon by age
6 to 9 months
Finely chop a few leaves of fresh tarragon (or a small pinch of dried) into chicken, potato or vegetable purées, or stir into a smooth creamy sauce. A little tarragon in potato purée adds a lovely fresh taste.
9 to 12 months
Add chopped tarragon to scrambled eggs, omelettes, chicken casseroles and fish pies, or mix into butter for roasting vegetables. Tarragon goes well with mushroom and chicken.
12 months and up
Use tarragon in family chicken and fish dishes, creamy pasta and egg salads. A tarragon and yoghurt dip is lovely with vegetable fingers.
Choking safety
Fresh tarragon leaves are soft, but whole sprigs and stalks are woody. Pick off the leaves, chop finely, and discard stalks for babies.
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).
Easy ideas
- Chicken and tarragon purée
- Tarragon scrambled egg
- Tarragon fish pie
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat tarragon?
Can babies have tarragon? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Tarragon is a soft herb with a gentle aniseed flavour, and it is a lovely way to add taste to chicken, egg and fish dishes without salt.
Is tarragon safe for babies?
Yes, in normal cooking amounts. Herbs are a great way to add flavour without salt.
Does tarragon taste strong?
It has an aniseed or liquorice flavour, so start with a small amount mixed into mild foods. Babies often enjoy it once it becomes familiar.
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).