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Arracacha for Babies: A Soft Andean Root

A South American root vegetable, somewhere between carrot, celery, and potato, that cooks up soft and mild. A gentle first food.

When to introduce: Around 6 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Cooked very soft, mashed
Key nutrients: Starch, vitamin A, calcium

When can babies eat arracacha?

Arracacha is an Andean root vegetable with a mild flavor between carrot, celery, and potato. It cooks soft and mashes smoothly, making it a gentle, filling first food from around 6 months, common in Colombian and Peruvian baby food.

How to prepare arracacha for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

6 monthsPeel and cook arracacha until very soft, then mash smooth, thinning with a little water or milk if needed.

9 monthsOffer soft-cooked arracacha in small pieces or lightly mashed.

12 months+Serve soft arracacha in pieces or in mild soups and stews.

Is arracacha safe? Choking & prep

Peel and cook arracacha until very soft, then mash or cut small for younger babies. Not a common allergen.

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Nutrition

Arracacha is an easily digested starchy root with vitamin A and calcium, a gentle source of energy for babies.

Goes well with

Chicken · Peas · Butter

Storage & freezing

Keep arracacha cool and dry and use within a few days, since it does not store as long as potatoes. Refrigerate once cooked.

More vegetables to explore

🥬

ArtichokeAround 9 months

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ArugulaAround 6 months

🥒

Ash gourdAround 6 months

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AsparagusAround 6 months

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Bamboo shootsAround 9 months

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BeetAround 6 months

Frequently asked questions

When can babies have arracacha?

From around 6 months, peeled, cooked very soft, and mashed.

What does arracacha taste like?

Mild and a little sweet, somewhere between carrot, celery, and potato, which makes it an easy first root.

Is arracacha a common allergen?

No, it is not a top-9 allergen. Cook it soft and introduce it like any new food.

Sources

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Last updated July 2026. How we write these: grounded in widely published pediatric guidance (the AAP, WHO, the NIAID 2017 allergen guidelines, and the LEAP study), and pending independent review by a pediatric professional. See our editorial and medical policy for how we research, source, and update these.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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