Hi! I’m Kanchan and I want to demystify healing spices for you and your families.
I have a Ph.D. in Biomedicine from Harvard University and training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and I know one thing for certain. Food can be our best medicine!
Spices have powerful health-boosting properties validated by modern science. PLUS they make food ultra delicious. Yet, many of us use them only occasionally and we’re scared to offer them to our kids.
When I started feeding my son spiced baby purees at 7 months of age, like pear with cardamom or sweet potato with clove, many of my mom friends in New York City were shocked.
“Whaaaaa?! Wait a second. Is that allowed? Safe?!”
I realised how many misconceptions persist around spices. And Spice Spice Baby was born.
The two most common spice assumptions I have encountered are:
1) Spices are spicy hot and totally inappropriate for babies, kids and even some adults – UNTRUE.
2) Cooking with spice amounts to eating ethnic food everyday – ALSO UNTRUE!
My goal is to debunk these myths, teach you about the powerful benefits of spices and inspire you to cook with them for your babies, kids and families.
Don’t miss out on the magic of spices. Let me help you spice up your family’s health.
With Love & Spice,
My Mission
Is to help you feed your babies, kids and families delicious nutritious food incorporating ancient, health-boosting spices.
FAQs
Is it safe to give babies spices?
Absolutely! While the words ‘spice’ and ‘baby’ in the same sentence may cause a few eyebrow raises in some parts of the world, there is a broad consensus among experts that the bland diet we have grown accustomed to giving our babies and kids has no scientific or health basis.
Why should I bother giving my baby spices?
Taste preferences develop early on and spices can help little ones become adventurous eaters with an acceptance for a wide variety of flavourful, nutritious food. Spices are nature’s pantry and pharmacy in one, brimming with beneficial compounds that positively affect our health. They are also the perfect natural tools to make food delicious without the usual nasties like excess salt and sugar.
When can I start spicing up my baby’s food?
Experts agree that babies can start enjoying spices when they start solid foods at 6 months. Happy Family, a leading packaged baby food brand adds spices to purees for babies 6 months and up.
Which spices should I start with and which should I avoid?
Not all spices are hot! It’s best to start with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, paprika, turmeric, cumin, clove and star anise. For babies and young kids, avoid hot spices like cayenne pepper which can be hard on tiny tongues and tummies (although you will find some parts of the world like India, Thailand and China where even toddlers can handle chillies!)
What are the risks of giving spices to babies?
There is a small risk of bacterial contamination in some spice batches, specifically Salmonella, which was reported for some cinnamon batches. You can completely remove this risk by cooking the spice through (like you would chicken). Either cook the spice together with the food you are adding it to or dry roast the spice for a couple of minutes to destroy any contaminants. It also helps to purchase the spice from a reputable vendor who follows strict quality control measures.
What about spice allergies?
Spice allergies are rare but, like with any food, can happen. If you are concerned about food allergies, introduce one spice at a time and follow the ‘four day rule’.
What if my baby rejects spices?
Don’t give up! Experts say it can take seven or more exposures to a new food for a baby to like it. Be creative and have fun. After all, you’re giving your baby the health and nutrition benefits of ancient natural ingredients while exposing them to a host of global flavors.
Contact me
Everyday I am blessed to support my clients to feed their babies, kids and families delicious nutritious food that incorporates ancient, health-boosting spices.
If you would like to learn more please do not hesitate to contact me. Use the form on the right or connect with me with via social media.
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