Romanesco

When can babies eat romanesco?

Fresh or frozen romanesco that’s been cooked until soft can be introduced as soon your baby is ready for solids which is generally around 6 months of age.

Background and origins of romanesco

Romanesco is shorthand for Roman cauliflower—a beautiful, lime-green vegetable with mesmerizing florets that form a fractal that delights adults and babies alike. Grown in Italy since the 16th century, the heirloom vegetable tastes mildly nutty and sweet, more like broccoli than cauliflower, but like its cruciferous cousins, it’s packed with nutrition. Check out our serving suggestions!

Is romanesco healthy for babies?

Absolutely. Romanesco is loaded with vitamin C, which helps our bodies absorb plant-based iron. (Iron is a critical nutrient for developing babies.) Romanesco is also a great source of fiber, vitamins B and K, and antioxidants that power your baby’s organs and immune system. Depending on the soil in which it’s grown, romanesco may also contain traces of iron, potassium, and other minerals.

Is romanesco a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes if it is raw. When romanesco is cooked (as the vast majority of recipes call for), it shouldn’t pose any unusual risk.

For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Is romanesco a common allergen?

No. Allergies to romanesco are rare. That said, one could be allergic to any food in theory. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first couple of servings and watch closely. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

How do you prepare romanesco 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. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: Serve well-steamed romanesco florets whole. If your baby bites off a too-big piece, stay calm and give your little one an opportunity to independently work the food forward, out of their mouth. If you’re nervous about offering pieces of food to your baby, you can always mash the florets before serving.

9 to 12 months old: At this stage, babies develop a pincer grasp (where the pointer finger and thumb meet) which makes it easier to pick up smaller pieces of food. Try moving down in size to small, bite-sized pieces that have been cooked until soft. If you are comfortable with your baby’s eating skills, you may also continue to serve whole cooked florets.

12 to 18 months old: Offer bite-sized pieces of cooked romanesco and serve alongside a fork to encourage utensil practice.

18 to 24 months old: At this age your toddler may be ready to go back up in size to whole florets. This will encourage biting and tearing practice. You can, of course, continue to offer cooked romanesco in bite size pieces.

For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.

All that vitamin C in romanesco helps your baby’s body absorb iron from plant foods, so try serving the vegetable alongside iron-rich foods like beans, lentils, mushrooms, or tofu.