Food guide
Kumquat
Kumquats are unique, bite-sized citrus fruits that offer a complex sweet-tart profile. While they can be introduced early, they require careful preparation due to their seeds and thick skin.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Puree or blend into yogurt to ensure the thick skin is fully broken down. 9-12 months: Finely mince the fruit after removing seeds and peel. 12+ months: Serve thinly sliced into tiny pieces, ensuring no seeds remain.
Nutrition
Kumquats provide a significant dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are vital for developing a robust immune system. They also contain small amounts of fiber and various phytonutrients. Because the peel is edible, it provides more fiber than many other citrus fruits.
A note from the editors
Blend kumquat into a smoothie or mix with oatmeal to help offset the natural tartness of the fruit.
Good to know
You must remove all seeds before serving, as they are a major choking hazard. The skin can be tough, so it must be finely chopped or pureed for younger babies to prevent gagging.