App First Foods® Database Gift Toddlers Book

Pomelo

Fruit

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a whole pomelo next to a pomelo cut in half on a white background

When can babies have 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.

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.

How do you serve pomelo 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.

a Solid Starts infographic with the header How to Cut Pomelo for Babies: large section with membrane removed for babies 6 months+, bite-sized pieces or thin slices, membrane removed for 9 months+, bite-sized pieces with a utensil for toddlers 12 mos+

6 months old +:

Serve large pieces of pomelo segments with the peel, membrane, and seeds removed. If baby bites off a big piece, stay calm as this is a learning moment. It’s important to give baby an opportunity to independently work the food out of their mouth. Refrain from sticking your fingers in baby’s mouth, which can inadvertently push the food further back on the tongue.

9 months old +:

Offer thin slices or bite-size pieces of pomelo segments with the peel, membrane, and seeds removed. This size helps baby hone the pincer grasp (where the thumb and pointer finger meet).

12 months old +:

Continue serving bite-sized pieces of pomelo with the peel, membrane, and seeds removed and consider offering a utensil for practice.

24 months old +:

Continue offering thin slices or bite-size pieces of pomelo. At this age, some toddlers show more selective eating habits. Pomelo is often served as part of a layered salad – consider asking the child to help mix the salad as an activity to get them interacting with the food in a no-pressure way.

a hand holding one large slice of pomelo with membrane removed for babies 6 months+ — A large slice of pomelo with rind, pith, and membrane removed for babies 6 months+

a hand holding five bite-sized pieces of pomelo with peel and membrane removed — Bite-sized pieces of pomelo with membrane removed for babies 9 months+

Avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to picky eating. See our Do’s and Don’ts of Raising a Happy, Independent Eater.

Videos

Eunoia, 7 months, eats large sections of pomelo with membrane, peel, and seeds removed.

Callie, 12 months, eats bite-sized pieces of pomelo with membrane removed.

Aarav, 13 months, tries slices of pomelo with membrane and peel removed.

Is pomelo a choking hazard for babies?

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, prepare and serve pomelo in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, 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.

Is pomelo a common allergen?

No. Pomelos are not a common food allergen. However, self-reported sensitivity to citrus is described frequently in medical literature around the world. In some cases, allergy to proteins in pomelo can result in serious reactions. There is evidence to suggest that the major allergens causing serious allergic reactions to pomelo are concentrated within the seed of the fruit—and while uncommon, chewing the seeds may be responsible for these severe allergic reactions.

Also, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to citrus fruits such as pomelo. 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 burning, itching, or tingling in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

Citrus fruits, like pomelo, are 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.

The acid in citrus fruit can cause a harmless rash on the skin, typically around the mouth or on the diaper area. The rash usually dissipates after a short time. Applying a barrier ointment (such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax combination) to baby’s face and bottom can help prevent the rash.

Is pomelo healthy for babies?

Yes. Pomelo offers carbohydrates, fiber, and water, in addition to potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Together, these nutrients work together to provide energy to fuel baby’s exploration and play, support digestive health, and aid in hydration. These nutrients also support electrolyte balance, metabolic processes, immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. Like other citrus, pomelo offers beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants to support baby’s overall health.

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.

When can babies drink pomelo juice?

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

Our Team