Allergen note
Celeriac is a form of celery, which is on the EU list of major allergens and can occasionally cause serious reactions, especially in people with birch or mugwort pollen allergy. Offer a small amount on its own the first time and watch closely for any reaction.
How to serve
From around 6 months, offer smooth celeriac purée or mash, often mixed with potato or carrot. From 9–12 months, serve soft-cooked cubes or wedges; toddlers can enjoy it roasted, mashed or in soups.
Preparation
Cut away the thick, knobbly peel with a knife, then dice the white flesh and steam, boil or roast it until very tender. Blend or mash with a little breast milk, formula or unsalted butter, and skip added salt.
Texture and choking risk
Raw celeriac is hard and fibrous, so avoid serving it raw or undercooked to babies and young toddlers. Cook it until it squashes easily between your fingers, cut it into age-appropriate pieces, and always supervise meals.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries celeriac, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
More Vegetables
🥬 Canned tomatoes
Tomato allergy is uncommon, but acidic tomato sauce can redden the skin around the mouth or irritate the…
🥬 Carrot
Carrot allergy is uncommon, but it does occur, especially in children with birch pollen allergy, who may get…
🥬 Cauliflower
Cauliflower allergy is rare. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for hives, vomiting or a rash; like…
🥬 Celery
Celery is on the EU list of major allergens and can cause reactions ranging from an itchy mouth to, rarely…
🥬 Cherry tomato
Tomato allergy is uncommon, but juice from raw cherry tomatoes often leaves red blotches on the cheeks and…
🥬 Chili pepper
Chili pepper allergy is rare, but capsaicin, the compound that makes chilies hot, can irritate a baby's mouth…