Pulasan

Pulasan may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Both the flesh of the pulasan and the seed inside pose a choking risk, so see our suggestions for how to serve pulasan by baby’s age before introducing.

Pulasan is a close relative of the rambutan, both juicy fruits of evergreen trees that originated in Southeast Asia. The plant thrives wherever the weather is warm and wet, like the tropics of the Americas, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Asia, where pulasan is also known as bulala and ngoh khao san, among other names. In Malay, its name means “twist,” which hints at how one eats the fruit.

Yes. Pulasan is packed with plenty of calcium to support bone health and potassium as an important electrolyte for heart health. It also offers a good amount of vitamin C, which aids the absorption of plant-based sources of iron. The benefits don’t stop there: the fruit also offers antioxidants to repair cells, carbohydrates for fast energy, and fiber to nourish baby’s developing gut microbiome.

No. Allergies to pulasan are rare, but possible. People who are allergic to pollens may be sensitive to pulasan, rambutan, and lychee fruits, as can individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen-food allergy). Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

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.

Yes. Pulasan is chewy, firm, and slippery, qualities that increase the risk of choking. The pulasan’s inner seed is edible, but it is hard and rounded, making it a high choking risk as well. To reduce these risks, remove the shell and seed, and prepare and serve pulasan 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. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

End the meal and follow up with a breast or bottle feed. Never pressure a baby or child to eat; it will only worsen food refusal in the long run. Babies refuse food for different reasons, such as teething, illness, sleepiness, or lack of energy or interest in learning a new skill. For information on why baby may refuse to eat, see our guide, Handling Food Refusal.

There are many wonderful options. Look for foods that are easy for baby to feed to themselves, that are low in choking risk, and that offer nutrients babies need, such as iron. Some of our favorite first foods include steamed broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits. See more ideas in our guide, 50 Fantastic First Foods.