Gooseberry

Gooseberries may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Native to the Americas, Asia, and Europe, gooseberries grow on spiny bushes and shrubs in temperate regions where they are also known as grosellero espinoso, kruisbes, krusbaer, and uva spina. A cousin of the currant with a similar tart flavor, gooseberries grow in several varieties, some large like grapes, others tiny like small wild blueberries. As the berries ripen, some kinds remain a translucent green or yellow threaded with pale veins, others become increasingly rosy, eventually turning a dark, purplish red. There are other fruits commonly called gooseberry in English, including Indian gooseberry and cape gooseberry, but these belong to different plant families.

Yes. Gooseberries offer carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid, in addition to potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Together, these nutrients help provide energy to support baby’s movement and exploration, developing gut microbiome, and hydration. They also help to support electrolyte balance, metabolic processes, skin health, iron absorption, and immune function. Red, pink, and purple varieties offer high levels of many antioxidants such as flavanols and anthocyanins, which help support overall health.

No. Allergies to gooseberries are uncommon. However, allergies to gooseberry’s cousin the currant, although rare, have been reported. Allergies to kiwi, a related fruit, have also been reported, but are relatively uncommon.

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

Yes. Gooseberries are small, round, and often firm, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve gooseberries in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. Many gooseberry varieties have tiny edible seeds inside, but these are not a choking hazard, so there’s no need to remove them. 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.

Knowledge and practice with rescue maneuvers. Parents and caregivers who watch the choking and rescue videos in our Starting Solids bundle often share how confident they feel. 

When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.