Tamarind

Fruit

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a pile of whole tamarind pods before being prepared for babies starting solid food

When can babies have tamarind?

Tamarind may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Tamarind pulp comes from the pods of a tree native to Africa and Madagascar and is now a beloved ingredient in cooking all over the globe. The pulp inside these dark brown pods is packed with sweet and sour flavor that is so potent, the fruit tends to be used in small amounts as one part of a sauce or mixed dish, not eaten on its own. Tamarind adds sourness to balance out the sweetness of chutneys, or brightens and adds depth of flavor to rich, savory sauces, among many other uses.

How do you serve tamarind 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.

6 months old +:

Use tamarind paste or pulp to make chutneys, dips, marinades, or sauces for age-appropriate foods like a soft, cooked apple half, fish cakes, or steak strips. Make sure any tamarind seeds have been removed, as they pose an increased choking risk. Or, use tamarind to flavor sauces for unbreakable food teethers. Food teethers like a chicken drumstick or a spare rib bone help build baby’s oral motor skills, and adding a flavorful sauce can help increase baby’s interest in the food.

12 months old +:

Continue to use de-seeded tamarind pulps, pastes or powders to make chutneys, marinades, or sauces for age-appropriate foods. At this age, you can also offer tamarind drinks like refresco de tamarindo in a cup.

Videos

Amelia, 7 months, eats tamarind paste on a ripe pear.

Julian, 10 months, eats tamarind on tofu.

Anjani, 14 months, eats tamarind chutney on papdi chaat.

Is tamarind a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Tamarind contains seeds that are large, rounded, and hard, qualities that increase the risk of choking, and make sure to even check pastes that are labeled as de-seeded, as some seeds may remain in these. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve tamarind in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Is tamarind a common allergen?

No. However, tamarind is a member of the legume family, so individuals who are allergic to peanut, soy, or other legumes may be sensitive to the fruit. The vast majority of kids with peanut allergy can safely consume other legumes, so you don’t have to avoid legumes such as tamarind due to a pre-existing peanut allergy. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity of tamarind for the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Is tamarind healthy for babies?

Yes. While typically used in small amounts, tamarind offers some carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, and a variety of B vitamins. Tamarind also has antioxidant properties which help with bodily repair and recovery.