Food guide
Asparagus
Asparagus can be introduced from around 6 months, as long as it is cooked until very soft. It is a good source of iron, folate and vitamin C. The stalks are fibrous, so how you prepare it matters more than the age.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Steam or boil whole spears until completely soft, then serve the tender tip as a finger food, or blend the softest part into a puree. Discard the tough woody end. 9-12 months: Soft-cooked spears cut into short lengths, or finely chopped into pasta, eggs or rice. 12+ months: Soft-cooked asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces. Still cook it well - raw or crunchy asparagus is stringy and hard for a young child to chew.
Nutrition
Offers a good source of vitamins A, C, E, K, and fiber for healthy digestion.
A note from the editors
Peeling the bottom part of the asparagus stalks makes them easier to chew and digest. Oven cooked asparagus with a little bit of olive oil is a delicious side dish.
Good to know
The fibrous nature of asparagus can be a choking hazard, so it should be cooked until very tender.
This guide is also published on Avo Parenting. Read the Asparagus guide