Can Babies Eat Mustard?

Mustard is a plant, which seeds and leaves are edible and used in cuisines. Mustard seeds are used as a condiment, but once they are grinded and mixed with water, vinegar, lemon juice or some other liquids, depending on the recipe, they become a yellowish condiment. Seeds are also pressed, to get mustard oil. The mustard leaves are edible and are eaten as mustard greens.

The taste and color of mustard as a condiment, varies from sweet to spicy, and from bright yellow to dark brown, depending on the added flavoring and spices. It is usually paired with meats and cheeses, but also added to different types of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and as an ingredient in many sauces, mayo, dressings and marinades.

Mustard was first cultivated in the Indus Valley, but the Romans were the first ones to try to prepare mustard as a condiment, mixing it with unfermented grape juice.

Mustard is high in sodium, potassium and magnesium, but mustard seeds also contain selenium and omega 3 fatty acids.

Health Benefits of Mustard for Babies

Mustard improves digestion thanks to the antioxidants in its composition, helping children’s digestive channel to be cleaned of the unnecessary fat accumulated there. It has antibacterial properties, which help keep the guts clean from worms too. Mustard seeds are good for respiratory problems, help recover from asthma, but also from sinus and common cold. Severe growing pains and muscle pain are common in children’s development. Mustard seeds powder helps with these kinds of pains and ensures proper blood circulation. With proper circulation of blood, mustard reduces cardiac arrhythmia. Mustard has a beneficial effect on strong teeth, hair and nail growth. Mustard is a good way for preventing the development of cancer.

Can Babies Eat Mustard Seeds?

Parents can introduce mustard seeds into their baby’s diet starting at the age of 8 months. Mustard seeds have a pungent smell, but spices should be given to babies in small amounts, in order to flavor their foods and to get used to new flavors.

Creamy Mustard Chicken

Ingredients: 1 large chicken breast, 1 dsp olive oil, 1 crushed clove of garlic, 50ml boiling water, 2 tbsp double cream, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley.

Heat the oil in a pan. Chop up the chicken into small pieces. Put them in the pan and add the garlic. Cook until the aromas are released. Add the mustard, double cream and water, and cook on low heat, until the chicken pieces are cooked through. Take off the heat and mix trough the chopped parsley.