Barberry (Zereshk)

Barberries may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. 

Barberries are small, tangy red berries that grow on a shrub native to regions of Asia and parts of Europe. They’ve been cultivated and used for thousands of years, both for their flavor and their medicinal properties. In Persian cuisine, barberries—known as zereshk—are prized for their bright tartness and jewel-like color, adding balance to savory dishes like zereshk polo (rice with barberries and saffron). They also appear in jams, teas, and traditional sweets across Central and Western Asia.

• Rinse thoroughly before cooking and remove any stems still attached to the berries.

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness and color.

• Pair with grains or meats—barberries’ acidity balances rich dishes like rice, lentils, and poultry.

Yes. Barberries are small, firm, and challenging to chew, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve barberries in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Barberries are not a common food allergen.^[1] What is quite common with acidic foods like barberries, however, is a harmless contact rash around the mouth or skin that the barberries come into contact with, such as the mouth and diaper areas. Applying a thin layer of barrier ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and bottom prior to mealtime can help prevent contact rashes. 

Yes. Barberries are rich in carbohydrates and fiber and offer iron, zinc, and plenty of antioxidants, which together aid in blood cell health, taste perception, and bodily resilience.^{[2] [3]}Plus, they’re rich in vitamin C, which supports immunity and helps the body absorb plant-based sources of iron. Lastly, barberries offer phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory benefits that may also support heart, liver, and metabolic health.^{[2] [3]}

Avoid offering barberry supplements, powders, and extracts to babies and toddlers, as there is not enough evidence to support their safety.

Small amounts of barberry juice may be shared as a drink after 12 months of age. That said, it can be beneficial to wait for when a child is older 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 over time.^{[4] [5]} 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.