Purple Potatoes
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies eat purple potatoes?
Potatoes may be offered as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. Orange sweet potatoes are a common baby food, but purple potatoes are a tasty, nutritious option too.
Background and origins of purple potatoes
There are many varieties of purple potatoes. Among the most common are Adirondack Blue, Purple Creamer, Purple Majesty, and Purple Peruvian. Purple potatoes have a similar amount of moisture and starch as the common Yukon Gold potato, making them a great substitute in recipes that call for that variety.
Can't find purple potatoes? Sweet potatoes are just as good!
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Are purple potatoes healthy for babies?
Absolutely. Purple potatoes contain potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Purple potatoes also contain loads of anthocyanins, an antioxidant with lots of benefits. First, anthocyanins support brain and vision development. Second, they help build immunity, off-set toxic burdens from our modern environment, and introduce antimicrobials that help clear unfriendly gut bacteria. And finally, they give the tubers a bright, eye-catching color that inspires curiosity. Fun fact: anthocyanins are the same antioxidants in blueberries, currants, and purple grapes!
Are purple potatoes a common choking hazard for babies?
They shouldn't be if they are peeled, cut into age-appropriate sizes, and cooked until soft.
For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.
Are purple potatoes a common allergen?
No. Allergies to purple potatoes are rare, though in theory, one could be allergic to any food. Watch your baby as they try new foods to monitor for any reaction.
How do you prepare potatoes for babies with baby-led weaning?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 to 12 months old:
Mess time! Offer your baby mashed purple potatoes for finger painting or long spears of purple potato fries. If going the mashed route, serve in a bowl that suctions to the table to encourage your baby to scoop with their hands, or offer the mashed potatoes a pre-loaded spoon for them to hold independently. (Offering a spoon vertically in the air will assist your baby in grabbing it from you.) If offering fries, don’t be surprised if your baby spits the food out a fair amount. Babies actually need to learn how to spit before they can swallow effectively!
12 to 18 months old:
Continue with mashed potatoes or spears of potato fries. You may also offer small cubes of cooked potato and encourage the use of a fork.
18 to 24 months old:
At this age your toddler is likely to enjoy all forms of potatoes, so try not to overdo any one preparation and continue to offer potatoes and other foods in a variety of shapes and forms. This variety will help keep picky eating at bay.
Mashed purple potatoes are one of messiest dishes you can make. Keep on hand plenty of warm washcloths, a good smock, and your camera to capture the messy moment!
For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.
Written and reviewed by these specialists
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