Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
Babies may be introduced to Sichuan peppercorn as soon as they are ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. However, because it can cause intense sensations in the mouth, consider starting with a tiny amount of the powdered spice at first.
Sichuan peppercorns are the berries of a “prickly ash” plant that grows in the southern province of China from which the spice derives its name. A main ingredient in Sichuan cooking, the berries are typically dried and ground to a powder that is used on its own as a flavor enhancer or mixed with other spices to create a blend, such as Chinese five-spice powder.
Yes. Sichuan peppercorns are a rich source of essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and there is no evidence that the active ingredient that causes tingling carries any safety concerns. Although some believe that Sichuan peppercorns benefit digestion, consuming too much of the spice may cause digestive upset, so start with a very tiny amount when seasoning a meal to share with baby.
No. Sichuan peppercorns are not a common allergen. They can cause an intense tingling and numbing sensation in the mouth, which can simulate oral symptoms of an allergic reaction. That said, an individual can be allergic to any food, so start by introducing small amounts of the spice and watch baby carefully to gauge their reaction.
Yes. Whole peppercorns are small, firm, and round, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve Sichuan peppercorn in an age-appropriate way. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
Let baby taste food seasoned with a tiny amount of powdered Sichuan peppercorn, and consider waiting until baby is a little older to regularly offer more intense or spicy dishes. The goal is to help baby make the connection that food is enjoyable, not painful. If you've used whole peppercorns to season a dish, make sure to remove them from the child's portion before serving.
Continue to serve age-appropriate dishes seasoned with powdered Sichuan peppercorn and adjust the amount of seasoning to the child’s taste. If you've used whole peppercorns to season a dish, make sure to remove them from the child's portion before serving.
Sign up for weekly tips, recipes and more!
The content offered on SolidStarts.com is for informational purposes only. Solidstarts is not engaged in rendering professional advice, whether medical or otherwise, to individual users or their children or families. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or your medical or health professional, nutritionist, or expert in pediatric feeding and eating. By accessing the content on SolidStarts.com, you acknowledge and agree that you are accepting the responsibility for your child’s health and well-being. In return for providing you with an array of content “baby-led weaning” information, you waive any claims that you or your child may have as a result of utilizing the content on SolidStarts.com.