Yardlong Bean

Yes, yardlong beans are tough for babies to chew, and small sections of bean are small and round and could be swallowed rather than chewed, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve yardlong beans 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.

No, yardlong beans are not a common food allergen. They are, however, a variety of cowpea and although uncommon, allergies to cowpeas have been reported.

Bean and pea allergies have also been reported in some patients with allergies to other legumes. However, being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will be allergic to all others, although the risk of having more than one legume allergy can increase. Fortunately, most individuals with peanut or soy allergies (both common food allergens) are able to tolerate other legumes, such as yardlong beans, just fine.

Individuals with allergies to birch tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to legumes. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking yardlong beans can help minimize and even eliminate the 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, yardlong beans are rich in folate and vitamin C, and also contain some fiber, vitamin A, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients work together to support baby’s neurodevelopment, immunity, iron absorption, digestive health, vision, and much more.

★ Tip: When cooking yardlong beans, try stir-frying instead of boiling in water. Yardlong beans can easily become soggy because they quickly absorb the fluid in which they’re cooked. Stir-frying helps maintain some of the crunch.

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. A few of our favorite first foods include cooked broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits.

You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.