Can Babies Eat Jackfruit?

The jackfruit or jack tree, is a kind of tree in the fig, mulberry and breadfruit family, originating in the tropical region between southern India and Malaysia. It has the largest fruit of all trees, its fruits growing up to 55kg in weight. It is the national fruit of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The ripe jackfruits have a sweet, pineapple or banana like flavor. They are used as ingredients in many dishes like cakes, custards, idlis, dosas. The seeds from the ripe fruit are edible, having a similar taste to Brazil nuts. They can be prepared in many different forms: baked, boiled or roasted. When jackfruit seeds are roasted, their flavor is similar to chestnuts’ taste.

Jackfruit is high in carbs, it has protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamins A, B6 and C, iron, magnesium and potassium. Jackfruit maintains hearth, eye and bone health, thyroid metabolism, aids digestion, prevents constipation, anemia, boosts the immune system and energy.

What Is Jackfruit Used For?

Jackfruit is used especially in curries as a staple food in many countries and cultures. In its boiled form, it is used as an ingredient in salads and as filling for cutlets and chops. Vegetarians use it as a substitute for meat.

Can Babies Eat Jackfruit?

Jackfruit can be introduced into a baby’s diet between the ages of 1 – 1.5 years. The flesh must be removed and the fruit itself must be pureed or cut into small pieces for toddlers, to avoid choking. It can cause some allergic reactions in babies with pollen or latex allergies. Jackfruit might increase coagulation, so it is not recommended for babies, who have blood related disorders.

Jackfruit Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients: handful of jackfruit, handful of spinach, 1 banana, lime juice according to your taste, for the topping you might use bananas, mangos, pumpkin seeds, dragon fruit, mint or shredded coconut.

Mix all the smoothie ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a bowl, and add the toppings you would like, just make sure they are cut at the size, at which you child can eat the toppings properly.