Lychee

Make sure to remove the seed from the lychee fruit before serving, as it contains compounds that can be toxic (and is a potential choking risk).

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Lychee may be introduced as soon as baby is ready for solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Native to southeastern China, lychee (also called Chinese cherry, litchi, or lychee nut) grows in humid climates on tall evergreen trees. In China and much of east Asia, lychees are most often eaten fresh and on their own as a snack or dessert, and their short harvesting season means they are prized as an ephemeral summer treat. That said, in traditional Chinese medicine, which categorizes all food as either yin (cold) or yang (hot), lychees are considered a hot food, which means they’re eaten sparingly on hot days.

Yes. Ripe lychees are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid, in addition to vitamins B6 and C. They also offer potassium, folate, and numerous antioxidants. Together, these nutrients work together to provide energy to fuel baby’s play and development, support digestive health, and aid in hydration. These nutrients also support metabolic processes, immune function, electrolyte balance, nervous system functioning, and bodily repair and recovery. 

When shopping, select lychee fruit that is ripe. While uncommon, consuming unripe lychee may lead to stomach upset or other health concerns. To tell if a lychee fruit is ripe, the outer skin should be pink or rosy red. 

★Tip: Lychees keep exceptionally well. They may be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

No. Allergies to lychee are rare, but possible. People who are allergic to birch, grass, or mugwort and individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen-food allergy) may be sensitive to lychee fruit. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. There have been some reports of people developing itchy rashes after direct skin contact with lychee fruit or its juice. It’s a good idea to wash your hands after handling lychee, as well as washing baby’s hands and face after mealtime. For babies with sensitive skin, applying a barrier ointment to the face before eating can help prevent mild skin reactions.

Note that, in the United States, the Food & Drug Administration has classified lychee as a tree nut, but it is actually a fruit and does not commonly cross-react with nuts.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. Both the firm flesh and the inner seed are choking hazards. To reduce the risk, chop or slice the flesh and remove the inner seed before serving. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Small amounts of pasteurized lychee juice may be shared as a drink after 12 months of age. That said, it can be beneficial to wait until after a child’s 2nd birthday to regularly share juice and other sugary drinks. Research suggests that regular intake of juice and other sweet drinks tends to increase the risk of dental cavities and take up space in the belly, which may decrease a child’s motivation to eat other foods at mealtime and may negatively affect the child’s growth. However, occasional servings of juice after one year of age generally isn’t a cause for concern. Learn more about serving juice to babies and toddlers.