Can Babies Eat Kale?

Kale or leaf cabbage belongs to a category of cabbage named Brassica oleracea, cultivated for their edible leaves, but they are also used as ornamentals. The color of its leaves can vary from green to purple, and its central leaves do not form a head. Kale has its origins in eastern Mediterranean and in Asia Minor, being cultivated since 2000 BC. The first record of cabbages in Europe dates back to the 13^th century, but the first one of kale is from the 14^th century.

Kale is present in Europe’s cuisine in different forms. The flavored “kale chips” are substitutes for potato chips. The boerenkoolstamppot is a traditional winter dish in Netherlands consisting of mashed potatoes and curly kale, served usually with rookworst, meaning smoked sausage. In a similar way is kale served in Ireland. Kale is famous in Northern Germany, where it is considered a staple food. There is a winter tradition linked to kale, named “Kohlfahrt”, meaning kale trip. Kale is popular in Italy too, being an ingredient in their ribollita soup, and in Portugal, in their caldo verde soup.

Kale is rich in carbs, protein. It is a good source for vitamins A, C, B6 and K, for folate, manganese, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.

Can Babies Have Kale at 7 Months?

Kale as well as spinach contains nitrates, which can make babies sick before the age of 7 months. Kale is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which boost your baby’s immune system, providing a big amount of vitamin C.

Can Baby Eat Raw Kale?

It is recommended to puree, blend and steam kale for babies. You can offer your baby raw kale as well, but it will be more difficult for your baby’s digestive system to process it, it is better if you steam or boil kale.

Kale Smoothie for 10-12 Months Old Babies

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ apple, 2 tbsp kale puree, 1-2 cups of water.

Blend all the ingredients into a blender or food processor, until you get the wanted consistency.