Celeriac may look like a strange, bumpy brown object, but it is actually a very tasty vegetable – so why not develop your baby’s palate and try including some celeriac in his next meal?
Celeriac – also known as celery root, knob celery and turnip-rooted celery – is very rich in vitamin C and is also a great source of iron and calcium. It is the root of a plant similar to celery, although it tastes sweeter and milder than celery.
When buying celeriac for your baby, look for one that seems heavy for its size, with no bruises on the skin. Small is best… larger roots are overgrown and can be woody in texture.
When you’re ready to cook the celeriac, wash it under running water, cut it into quarters and peel off the brown skin.
Fresh celeriac with the greens removed
How to cook celeriac for your baby
- add it to your baby stews and casseroles
- boil it, then mash it with white potatoes to give them a unique flavour your baby will love
- cut it into chunks and roast it alongside other vegetables, then mash well or puree for younger babies
- use it in vegetable soups for your baby
NOTE: As with all foods, celeriac should be introduced separately to your baby, or with foods that your baby is already safely eating, to ensure that it does not provoke an allergic reaction. It is not recommended as a first food and is best introduced when your baby is already enjoying a wide range of other vegetables.
Simple celeriac baby food recipe – celeriac and apple mash
1 small celeriac, peeled and chopped
milk (you can use formula/breast milk)
1/2 apple, peeled and sliced
2 oz (1/4 cup) cooked rice
Simmer the celeriac and the apple in a little water until tender.
Drain, then place in a bowl with the cooked rice and mash together.
Stir in enough warm milk to achieve the perfect consistency for your baby.
For younger babies, you can puree the mixture, adding more milk as necessary.