Can Babies Eat Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree cultivated for its fruit’s seed and mace. Essential oil is extracted from it and nutmeg butter is another popular product obtained from the nut by expression.

The only place of production of nutmeg and mace until de mid-19^th century was the small island group called Banda Islands, also known as “Spice Islands”. Being in the Indonesian area, nutmeg is used in their cuisine in many dishes, but mainly in spicy soups. Indonesian people also use nutmeg in gravy for meat dishes. In Indian cuisine, it is used in several sweet and also savory dishes.

Nutmeg is high in dietary fibers, and contains high levels of potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, and some vitamins B6 and C. Manganese helps in blood clotting, bone formation and aids the immune system. Copper contributes to energy production, and iron metabolism. The potassium lowers the risk for heart diseases. Nutmeg contains 34 potent volatile oils too. Nutmeg powder can cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis or even have psychoactive effects.

Is Nutmeg Okay For Babies?

Nutmeg, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, coriander, ginger, cumin and dill are spices perfectly fine to introduce into babies’ diets once they start eating solid food, at the age of 6 months. Small amounts of nutmeg not only make food taste better, but they have beneficial effects too in the development of your baby. Nutmeg mixed in baby’s milk helps induce sleep, babies usually feel more relaxed and calm.

Carrot & Nutmeg Baby Food Puree

Ingredients: 900g of trimmed, peeled and roughly chopped carrots, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ - 1 cup water, breast milk, formula or stock.

In a medium saucepan bring water to a boil over medium heat. Put the carrots into a steamer basket, cover and then cook for 11 minutes, until they get tender. Reserve the steamer water. Place the carrots, nutmeg and ½ cup of liquid into a food processor and puree on high for 2 minutes. Keep adding ¼ cup liquid at a time, until you get the wanted texture.