🥜 Walnut halves

Legumes, nuts & seedsAge not specifiedSeason: Walnuts are harvested once per year in the fall, typically from September to November in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to global cold storage and different hemispheres, shelled walnut halves are available year-round.

Allergen note

Walnuts are a common allergen; introduce a tiny amount of walnut butter (never whole halves due to choking risk) after other solid foods, watching closely for any reaction.

How to serve

For infants 6+ months, serve a thin smear of walnut butter on toast strips (1-2 tsp); for toddlers, finely chop or grind 1-2 tbsp of walnuts into oatmeal or yogurt to prevent choking.

Preparation

Always finely grind walnuts into a powder or smooth butter to prevent choking, then mix into purees or yogurt; never serve whole or in pieces due to the high choking risk.

Texture and choking risk

Due to high choking risk, never serve whole or halved walnuts to infants or toddlers; instead, finely grind or chop them into a paste and always supervise closely during 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.