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Nutrition Brainfood for Baby: Adding Offal to the PlateBrainfood for Baby: Adding Offal to the Plate
Looking to add something new to your baby's solids journey? The Nutrition Team at Beef + Lamb New Zealand has a small but mighty suggestion you might not have considered: liver!
We get it, liver might not be top of your list. It can sound a little intimidating, especially if it’s not something you typically eat. But hear us out: liver is packed with essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth, brain development, and overall health. And the best part? A little goes a long way.
Why liver?
From around six months, your baby’s natural iron stores begin to drop. At this stage, breast milk or formula alone can’t keep up with their growing needs. It’s also a great time to introduce a variety of flavours and textures, helping shape healthy eating habits from the start.
Liver is a nutritional powerhouse, and here’s why it’s worth trying:
- One of the richest natural sources of iron, especially haem iron which is the most easily absorbed by little bodies
- High in vitamin B12, essential for brain development and energy
- Packed with zinc, which helps support immunity and healthy growth.
Ready to give it a go?
If you’re curious about liver but not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. One of our go-to starter recipes is:
A gentle blend of pan-fried lamb’s fry and softly cooked vegetables, puréed into a smooth, iron-rich meal. It’s simple, nutritious, and baby-friendly.
Handy tips for serving liver to babies
- Freeze for ease: Make a batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Perfect for quick, single-serve portions, just reheat as needed.
- Grate and mix: Keep a small piece of raw liver in the freezer. When cooking vegetables for baby, grate a little of the frozen liver into the pot during the final minutes of cooking, then blend.
Be patient and keep it simple
Liver is just another new flavour to explore. If your baby doesn’t take it right away, that’s okay. Try again another time. Every baby is different, and not every food will suit every family, but if you’re curious, liver is definitely worth a try. Start small, keep it simple, and enjoy the journey.
Note: Liver is a fantastic source of vitamin A, but too much can be harmful for babies. Stick to about 15 grams (about one tablespoon) of cooked liver per week.
Posted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand
