Can Babies Eat Lemons?

Lemon is a type of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, originating in Asia, having round shaped fruits. The exact origin of the lemon is uncertain, but they were known to be first grown in China, the first lemons being a hybrid between a bitter orange and citron. They were spread to Europe in the second century AD, entering Europe through southern Europe during the time of Ancient Rome. They appeared slowly in Persia, Iraq and Egypt.

There are many types of lemons: the Bonnie Brae is grown in the USA, the Eureka or Four Seasons lemon is the most commonly found in supermarkets, the Femminello St Teresa or also known as Sorrento is typical for Italy, and it is the sort of lemon used for making the famous beverage limoncello.

There are many culinary uses for lemons, and for the several components of lemons. Lemon juice is used to prepare first of all lemonades, but also for soft drinks and cocktails. It is a basic element in marinades for fish, for meat, and it is also used for pancakes. Lemon peels are used in food recipes, especially for deserts, but they are also used for manufacturing pectin, which is a polysaccharide used as a gelling agent. Lemon oil is extracted from the skin of lemons, and is used especially for skin and hair products. The leaves of lemon trees are used to prepare lemon tea. Lemons were the initial source for citric acid, before scientists developed the fermentation- based processes.

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, but they also contain vitamins B5, B6, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Can I Give My Baby Lemon ?

The recommended age to introduce lemon into your baby’s diet is at 12 months old. Lemons are sour, but you can trick your baby to eat them if you use them as seasoning. Lemon water is another excellent way not only to give your baby lemons, but also to change the taste of water, making it less boring. Lemons are known for their benefits as hydration providers, scurvy preventers, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea controllers, immune system boosters and fighters against cold.

Are Lemons Bad For Babies’ Teeth ?

Acid from lemon and citrus fruits erodes tooth enamel, leading to weaken teeth and making cavities more susceptible. Lemons represent also a risk of allergic reactions in babies suffering of pollen allergies. The high acidity level can cause diaper rush and can easily upset babies’ tummy. It is important to offer babies only small amounts of lemons or citric fruits.

Apple Sauce with Cinnamon and Lemon Zest

Ingredients: 1 large apple, ½ cinnamon stick, 1 piece of lemon zest.

Peel and dice the apple roughly. Put water into a steamer, and fill the apple to the brim of the steamer basket. Apples will shrink when they are cooked. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon zest to the basket. Steam the apple, then remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest, and reserve the steaming liquid. Put the cooked apples into a blender and puree until you get the wanted consistency, adding some steaming liquid if necessary.