Can Babies Eat Tuna?
Tuna is a saltwater fish, one of the few species of fish, which can maintain their body temperature higher than the one of their surrounding water.
Tuna is sold fresh, frozen or canned. Fresh tuna is used in the traditional Japanese dish, sushi. Frozen tuna flesh is considered a delicacy all around the world. Tuna is prepared often as a steak, because of its thickness and tough texture. Tuna was first canned in Australia in 1903 and it became a very popular way to package and process tuna. It is usually canned in oil, brine, water or many different types of sauces. In the USA tuna coming from canned tuna is a popular ingredient for sandwiches.
Tuna is high in protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and zinc. Mercury content can be different in the various types of tuna, but Mackerel tuna is known to have a lower mercury concentration.
How Much Tuna Can A Baby Have?
Tuna can be given to babies starting at the age of 6 months, once they start eating solid food. Albacore tuna should however be avoided, even in canned form, because it is high in mercury. Canned light tuna is okay for babies and especially for children, but you must limit one serving per month.
Tuna Fish Cakes
Ingredients: 1 tin tuna fish in spring water, 250g peeled and cubed potatoes, 1 peeled and finely cut carrot, 2 handfuls of frozen peas, 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest, 1 beaten egg, plain flour, breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil.
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Cook the potatoes and carrots in boiling water until they are soft. Drain and mash them, and put them aside. Cook the frozen peas in boiling water for about 4 minutes, drain, but reserve some of the water. Blend the peas, add the potatoes and some of the reserved water. Blend in the tuna and lemon zest and put the mixture in the fridge to cool completely. Prepare 3 bowls with egg, flour and breadcrumbs, in order to coat the fish cakes. Take a tablespoon and scoop some of the fish mixture, shape into a small patty, coat in flour, then in the egg and last in the breadcrumbs. Repeat the process, and put the patties on a non-stick baking tray. Brush the top of each fishcake with olive oil and bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the fishcakes turn golden. Let them cool and serve.
FAQ
What is tuna?
Tuna is a saltwater fish, its flesh being considered a delicacy worldwide.
How healthy is tuna?
Tuna is an excellent source of vitamin D, which helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
When can you start giving tuna to your baby?
You can start giving tuna to your baby once he start eating solid food, at the age of 6 months old.
The risks of giving tuna to your baby?
Choking and mercury poisoning are two of the risk of giving tuna to your baby.
