Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
Cilantro may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Cilantro originated in the fertile lands around the Mediterranean Sea, where the herb has been used as food and medicine since ancient times. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander, which was introduced by colonizers to the Americas and South Asia, the world’s top growing regions of the plant today. The versatile herb flavors dishes across the globe, from chutney, larb, and masala in South Asia, to mojo, salsa, and sofrito in Central America.
Yes, although cilantro’s nutritional benefits are limited because the herb is often used in small amounts. Fresh or dried cilantro leaves and stalks support bone and eye health, thanks to the presence of vitamin K and vitamin A. Small amounts of vitamin C and folate are also present in this herb, which both play a role in the growth of healthy cells and tissue. Cilantro also contains antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Coriander seeds (which are also finely ground to make the spice coriander) contain lysine, an amino acid that supports the immune system, fiber, as well as small amounts of the minerals calcium, phosphorous, and iron.
★Tip: Give cilantro a good rinse before using, as the leaves may have gained some sand or dirt in the harvesting process. Cilantro is also very perishable, so plan to use it soon after buying. If you have leftover cilantro, wrap it in a damp towel and store in a sealed bag in the fridge. You can also blend it with a little olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays for later.
No. Allergies to cilantro are rare, although contact dermatitis and anaphylactic reactions have been reported. Individuals who are allergic to mugwort or birch pollen or who have Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may also be sensitive to cilantro and its seed, coriander. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.
Some individuals who are sensitive to cilantro and coriander may develop respiratory symptoms or contact rashes when handling coriander powder during food preparation.
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.
When chopped, cilantro should not pose any significant risk, although its leaves can stick to baby’s tongue, roof of mouth, and throat and cause some gagging or coughing. If this happens, offer baby a drink from an open cup to help wash it down. Drinking from an open cup (rather than a straw cup) tends to be more helpful in these situations. 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.
For some people, cilantro tastes bright and citrusy. For others, cilantro tastes acrid or soapy. Research indicates a genetic component to this difference—specifically the genes that play a role in smell and taste—but there are also environmental factors that influence how people perceive tastes. This suggests that early and frequent use of cilantro could help baby acclimate to the flavor, even if they carry these genes.
Crushing or heating the leaves helps to break down the specific plant compound that seems to be responsible for cilantro’s distinctive taste, so introducing cilantro as part of a sauce or cooked into a dish can reduce the herb’s potency.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
Blend fresh cilantro with oil and a little citrus juice into a bright sauce that can be drizzled onto steamed vegetables, stewed chicken, or poached fish. You can also finely mince cilantro to fold into soft, scoopable foods like mashed vegetables, rice, or yogurt. Exposing baby to flecks of green early on helps acclimate them to green foods and foods that are mixed together.
Incorporate finely minced cilantro into sauces, meat patties, and lentils, or sprinkle on top of bean dishes and steamed vegetables. And by all means, continue to use cilantro to make green sauces to season baby’s food.
Use cilantro as you normally would in dishes, even if a recipe calls for whole cilantro leaves. Just keep in mind that any larger leaves may cause toddlers to gag or cough a little. Keep an open cup with water or milk on hand and encourage the toddler to take a sip if a bit of cilantro gets uncomfortable.
Get inspired with new recipe ideas from our guide, 100 Dinners for Babies & Toddlers.
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