Pomelo

Pomelo may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. Note that pomelo and other acidic foods can cause a harmless rash on skin that comes into contact with the juices and can contribute to diaper rash. Lastly, pomelo contains certain compounds that interact negatively with many medications, so if baby is taking medications, consult with a pediatric healthcare professional before introducing pomelo.

Pomelo comes from Southeast Asia, where it goes by many names: bu’o’i, jabong, jeruk bali, and limau besar, to name a few. As the largest fruit in the citrus family, pomelo is believed to be an original rather than a hybrid fruit cultivated by humans, like grapefruit. In fact, pomelo is the parent fruit to many popular cultivated citrus varieties, including bitter orange, sweet orange, and tangelo. Pomelo adds tart sweetness to sweet and savory foods alike, including a celebratory salad called yusheng in East Asia and fresh juices throughout the Caribbean islands, where the fruit is called shaddock.

Yes. Pomelo is high in vitamin C to power baby’s immune system and help the body absorb iron from plant-based foods. Plus, pomelo contains some fiber to support gut health, B vitamins for cell energy, and plenty of potassium for thriving muscles and a healthy heart. Like other citrus, pomelo offers beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants to support cells.

Note that pomelo contains compounds that can negatively interact with certain medications. If your child is taking medication, consult with a pediatrician or pediatric dietitian or nutritionist before serving pomelo.

★Tip: Store pomelo in the fridge and eat the fruit within a few days. Pomelo is made up of more than 75% water, which means it’s quite perishable.

Yes. Citrus segments (if left in the surrounding membrane) are choking hazards for babies and children. Citrus seeds are also aspiration risks as they can be accidentally inhaled. To reduce the risk, supreme the fruit to cut the segments away from the membrane and then remove the seeds. 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 section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Pomelos are not considered to be 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. Individuals who are allergic to grass or 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.

Acidic foods like pomelo and other citrus fruit can cause a harmless rash when they come into contact with the skin. 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. Barrier ointments (such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax combination) can be applied to the face before mealtime, as well as to the diaper area, to help protect the skin from acidic foods. The peel of pomelo also contains a compound called limonene, which is a known contact allergen, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals.

Pomelo 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.

No. Juice of any kind should not be given to babies unless directed to do so by a health provider. After the first birthday, small amounts of juice (less than 4 ounces a day, ideally unsweetened or diluted with water to reduce sweetness) may be safely offered. That said, we believe it is best to wait to serve juice until age two and even then, to limit the amount offered to minimize sugar in a child’s diet. Regular and especially excessive consumption of sweet beverages (including naturally sweet juices) may reduce the diversity of foods and nutrients consumed, increase the risk of dental cavities, and alter appetite in ways that can negatively affect growth.

Yes. Pomelo is rich in fluid to help hydrate the intestines and contains some fibers that help bulk up and soften stool, helping support baby’s digestive processes. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.