Calamansi

Fruit

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a whole calamansi next to one cut in half on a white background

When can babies have calamansi?

Calamansi may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that calamansi is high in acid and may cause contact rash around the mouth and hands and cause or worsen diaper rash.

Native to East and Southeast Asia, calamansi is believed to originate from the natural crossing of a kumquat with another unknown member of the citrus family. The resulting fruit is small and round, golden yellow or orange in color when ripe, and has a refreshing, sour taste. Also known as acid orange, calamondin, golden lime, or Philippine lime, among other names, calamansi is used much like lemons and limes are, offering its bright, tart flavor to savory dishes, sweet preserves and dishes, cool drinks, teas, and much more. The peel can also be zested, dried, crushed, and used as seasoning.

How do you serve calamansi to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 months old +:

Use fresh calamansi juice in marinades or sauces as desired, or squeeze a bit of the juice over baby’s food for a burst of sour and tart flavor. Calamansi zest and dried or crushed peel may also be used as seasoning.

12 months old +:

Continue to add calamansi juice to meals as desired, and serve halved calamansi (seeds removed) alongside dishes that benefit from a little tart or sour flavor. Teach the toddler how to squeeze the fruit and sprinkle the juice on their food. Add a squeeze of calamansi to leafy greens, vegetables, and legumes to help with plant-based iron absorption.

Videos

Eunoia, 7 months, tastes calamansi.

Is calamansi a choking hazard for babies?

No. Calamansi presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve calamansi in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

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

Is calamansi a common allergen?

No, calamansi is not classified as a common food allergen. However, self-reported sensitivity to citrus is described frequently in medical literature around the world. Also, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to citrus fruits such as calamansi. In particular, individuals who are allergic to grass and certain tree pollens may also be more sensitive to citrus fruits. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Heat-treating calamansi juice, such as in cooking, can help to minimize or eliminate the reaction.

Note that calamansi is highly acidic, and exposure to the acid may cause a harmless rash on the skin, typically around the mouth. It usually dissipates after a short time. Additionally, the acid can be irritating on a baby's digestive tract, as well as cause or worsen diaper rashes when consumed in excess. The peel of calamansi also contains a compound called limonene, which is a known contact allergen, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals.

Calamansi is also associated with phytophotodermatitis, a skin condition that occurs when a person gets the juice from the fruit on the skin and doesn't wash it off. Compounds in the juice are activated by the sun and cause a pigmented, itchy, and occasionally blistering and painful rash on the skin. Cleansing the skin after citrus contact and using sun protection can help to prevent the phytophotodermatitis rash.

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.

Is calamansi healthy for babies?

Yes. Although typically consumed in small amounts, calamansi offers fiber and water, in addition to potassium and vitamin C. Together, these nutrients work together to support digestive health, hydration, electrolyte balance, skin health, immune function, and iron absorption. The peel contains several plant-based compounds that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

★Tip: Leftover calamansi juice can be frozen in containers or in ice cube trays, stored as frozen cubes in plastic freezer bags for up to 6 months, and defrosted and used in cooking later.

When can babies drink calamansi juice?

Small amounts of calamansi 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 over time. However, occasional servings of calamansi drinks after one year of age generally isn’t a cause for concern. Learn more about juice for babies and toddlers.