Celery for an infant: how to properly introduce into complementary foods

Celery is a unique culture that has practically no contraindications to use. The root, stems and green leaves are used for food. The product has a rich vitamin and mineral composition, pleasant taste and aroma.

From the article you will learn whether it is possible to give celery to an infant, where to start introducing complementary foods, how to prepare the product, and in which case it should be abandoned.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Celery has a balanced chemical composition, contains almost everything famous vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional value of stalked celery (per 100 g):

• calorie content - 13 kcal;
• proteins - 0.9 g;
• fats - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 2.1 g;
• fiber - 1.8 g;
• water - 94 g.

Nutritional value of root vegetables (per 100 g):

• calorie content - 34 kcal;
• proteins - 1.3 g;
• fats - 0.3 g;
• carbohydrates - 6.5 g;
• fiber - 3.1 g;
• water - 88 g.

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Beneficial features

Celery has beneficial properties for the child's body:

• eliminates inflammatory processes;
• accelerates the healing of wounds, burns;
• prevents the development of cancer cells;
• removes toxins and radionuclides;
• increases the body's defenses;
• improves digestion;
• increases hemoglobin;
• has antiallergic, antiseptic effect;
• has a mild laxative effect;
• reduces swelling;
• regulates metabolism;
• relieves pain;
• removes uric acid salts;
• awakens appetite;
• helps to cure nephritis;
• calms the nervous system, has a hypnotic effect.

When to introduce celery into a child's diet

At what age can children be given celery? Root vegetables, stalks and greens do not provoke allergies and even help to cope with it... Pediatricians recommend starting a baby's acquaintance with the product after 7 months, when zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli and potatoes already appear in the diet. Previously, it was not recommended to introduce the product into the baby's menu because of the risk of impaired digestive function, lack of enzymes to break down coarse fiber.

For the first time, just cut off a small piece of root and add it to the vegetable broth.... Celery has a pronounced taste and aroma and may not be liked by little fussy.

Council. Start introducing a new product from 50 g. Observe the child's reaction for 2 days. If there is no reaction, gradually increase the portion to 100 g. Some children refuse to eat with a new, unfamiliar taste. Don't be discouraged - suggest trying the same dish a week later.

Celery root, herbs and stalks are used as complementary foods.... The product must undergo heat treatment, since the infant's digestive system is unable to cope with coarse dietary fiber.

It is better to add greens at the end of cooking. - so it will undergo minimal heat treatment and retain useful substances.

Petioles and root are put in vegetable and meat soups, then beat with a hand blender until puree. After a year, children do not grind food. By this time, they are able to chew small pieces of food.

It can be useful:

Planting stalked celery

Planting root celery

Instructions on how to grow celery

How to correctly introduce into complementary foods

For the first feeding for babies, vegetables with a neutral taste, white or green, are suitable. - cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, potatoes. From about 7 months old, nutritionists recommend introducing new tastes to the baby.

The opinions of pediatricians from different countries about adding celery to the diet are slightly different. In France, celery is introduced at the same time as broccoli, since the product does not cause an allergic reaction. In Russia, experts advise to postpone the introduction of celery and start adding it to dishes after getting acquainted with poultry meat. All dishes should be mashed until puree.

Up to 1-1.5 years old, the root, petioles and greens must undergo heat treatment... If the child appreciates the taste and aroma of the product, you can gradually switch to eating it raw. Freshly squeezed juice is mixed with carrot or apple juice. The drink stimulates the digestive function, normalizes appetite, and replenishes the supply of vitamins.

When the child learns to thoroughly chew solid food, raw celery root and stalks are added to vegetable and fruit salads. As a rule, this does not happen earlier than 2 years. The product goes well with apples, dried apricots, prunes, raisins and nuts. For salad dressing, use low-fat natural yogurt without sugar or vegetable oil.

Finely chopped leaves are added to broths, soups and salads.

Celery root is boiled in steam or water, combine with other vegetables and meat.

Celery dishes for little children

The menu for babies is not very diverse. At this age, it is important to correctly begin to familiarize the fragile digestive system with new products. Cream soups, mashed potatoes, casseroles are prepared from celery.

To make the soup, you need these ingredients.:

• potatoes - 1 pc.;
• celery root - 200 g;
• carrots - 100 g;
• cauliflower - 200 g.

Wash the food thoroughly and put it in boiling water. Salt broth a little, cook vegetables until cooked. Transfer the food to a separate container with a slotted spoon and whisk in the puree with a blender. Pour in 1-2 ladles of vegetable broth to the desired consistency.

To mash root celery, use:

• pulp of a white loaf - 10 g;
• celery root - 50 g;
• milk - 1 tbsp. l .;
• butter 82.5% - ½ tsp;
• salt to taste.

Wash the root, remove the skin, cut into cubes and boil in salted water. Soak the loaf in milk. Mix the celery with bread crumb, add oil and puree.

Celery casserole is suitable for children after 1 year... Prepare the following foods:

• cottage cheese 5% - 100 g;
• petiole celery - 100 g;
• egg - 1 pc .;
• flour - 1 tbsp. l .;
• hard cheese - 25 g.

Grate cheese, mix with cottage cheese, add egg and flour, beat with a blender until smooth. Finely chop the petioles, put in the dough and put in a silicone mold. Bake for 40-45 minutes in an oven preheated to a temperature of 180 ° C.

Potatoes stewed with celery are great filling and are popular with young children... The dish is adapted for children 1.5 years old.

Ingredients:

• potatoes - 1 pc.;
• celery root - 100 g;
• ½ onions;
• carrots - 1 pc.

Peel vegetables, cut into cubes, put in a saucepan, add finely chopped onion.Pour boiled water so that it covers vegetables, salt, pour 1 tbsp. l. oil or 1 tsp. butter. Simmer covered over low heat until tender. If desired, the stew can be mashed.

Fresh and crispy petiole celery salad with apple served to children after two years:

1. Peel the apple, grate, sprinkle with lemon juice so that it does not darken.
2. Finely chop one petiole, add to the apple.
3. Season 1 tbsp. l. natural yogurt.

Harm and contraindications of celery for young children

Besides the obvious benefits, celery can harm an immature child's body with diseases of the digestive system (ulcers and erosion of the stomach, disorders of food breakdown). The product is contraindicated in case of exacerbation of nephritis and pyelonephritis, diseases of the genitourinary system.

It is better to refuse the introduction of celery into the baby's diet when hemorrhagic vasculitis (increased permeability of blood vessels), epilepsy (the product provokes seizures), high blood pressure, individual intolerance.

Conclusion

From what age can you give celery to infants? This issue is discussed at a full-time appointment with a pediatrician. Most experts recommend introducing root and stalk celery into the diet of children from 7-8 months, and green leaves after a year. The product does not cause allergies, helps to improve digestion, strengthen immunity and calm the baby's nervous system.

Complementary foods should consist of thermally processed and mashed products. Celery is contraindicated for infants raw because of the large amount of fiber, which is difficult to digest.