Avo ParentingStarting Solids
Arugula

Arugula

From 6 monthsChoking risk★★★★
Vegetables

Arugula is a nutritious leafy green that can be introduced from 6 months, offering a delightful peppery flavor that broadens your baby's palate. It's a fantastic way to expose them to a wider range of tastes early on.

How to serve

6-9 months

Cook arugula until very soft and finely chop it, then mix into purées, mashed vegetables, or soft grains like oatmeal.

9-12 months

Continue to cook and finely chop, incorporating it into casseroles, scrambled eggs, or pasta dishes.

12+ months

Serve cooked and finely chopped arugula mixed into a variety of meals, like sauces, stews, or even as part of a soft frittata.

Nutrition

IronCalciumFiberVitamin AVitamin C

Arugula is packed with Vitamin K, crucial for healthy bone development, and Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. It also provides folate, important for growth, and some iron and calcium to support overall development.

Good to know

To significantly reduce choking risk, always cook arugula until it is very soft and then chop it into extremely small, manageable pieces before serving.

Arugula is not a common allergen but its raw, leafy texture poses a significant choking risk for babies. It must always be cooked until very tender and then finely chopped to ensure it's safe to consume.

Tip

To temper arugula's peppery notes for sensitive palates, try pairing it with sweeter vegetables like cooked sweet potato or butternut squash, or stir it into a fruit purée.

Related foods

Track every first biteGet the Avo Starting Solids app for allergen tracking, the 100 Foods Challenge, and age-based serving guides.