Porcini Mushroom

Yes, especially the cylindrical stems. Porcini mushrooms can be chewy, slippery and challenging for new eaters to break down in their mouths. To reduce the risk, finely chop the mushrooms and cook fully. Dried mushrooms should be fully rehydrated in boiling water and chopped before serving. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of a baby during mealtime. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

No. Mushroom allergy is rare, although not unheard of. There have been reports of anaphylaxis, as well as rashes amongst those handling mushrooms. Mushrooms also contain chitin, a common carbohydrate found in crustaceans and insects that may contribute to an allergic response in certain individuals.

Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those sensitive to mold, may also be sensitive to mushrooms. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking mushrooms can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Dried porcini mushrooms may be preserved with sulfites. While sulfites are not a common allergen, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, can have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites.  If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite to name a few.

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 amount over future meals.

Yes. Porcini mushrooms are a great source of fiber, iron, and potassium, and they offer a bit of calcium. Fiber aids baby’s developing gut microbiome, iron supports healthy red blood cells, potassium strengthens heart health, and calcium helps baby build strong bones. Porcini mushrooms also contain the compound ergothioneine, an antioxidant that can help support the body’s resilience.

Make sure to buy porcini mushrooms from a reputable source and avoid foraging your own mushrooms unless you are an expert mycologist, as there are many poisonous species growing in the wild.

Yes, although cooked porcini mushrooms are easier for baby to digest and less challenging to chew. Cooking these mushrooms also helps lower the risk of foodborne illness.

Yes. Porcini mushrooms are rich in fiber and fluid to support the gut microbiome, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines. Mushrooms also offer prebiotics – special carbohydrates that help friendly gut bacteria flourish. Introduce high-fiber foods like mushrooms gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated; a little gassiness or a few blowouts is just a sign that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, so no need to remove the food from the diet. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

Porcini mushrooms grow in the wild all over the northern hemisphere. They are widely known as cep and penny buns in English, but in Italian, the name “porcini” means “piglet” – a nod to the wild boars who like to feast on this forest food. Unlike oyster mushrooms and other popular species, porcini mushrooms are difficult (though not impossible) to cultivate on mushroom farms. Limited commercial production keeps prices high for fresh porcini in many parts of the world, though dried porcini mushrooms are increasingly available.