Carrots, depending on the variety, can range in size from small to large. The roots have an elongated, slender shape that can be conical, cylindrical, or slightly irregular depending on growing conditions and the individual cultivar. The skin is smooth, firm, covered in tiny root hairs and underneath the surface, the flesh generally matches the skin color and is dense, crisp, and slightly aqueous with a snap-like quality. Carrots are crunchy when raw with a sweet or bitter, earthy flavour.

Health Benefits

Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. As part of a balanced diet, they can help support immune function, reduce the risk of some cancers and promote wound healing and digestive health.  Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are also a good source of antioxidants.  Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which can help prevent vision loss, vitamin C to protect the body from sickness, and fiber to assist with digestion. The roots also contain some vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, folate, and potassium.

Usage

Carrots are one of the most versatile and fundamental ingredients in culinary recipes, used in raw and cooked form for both sweet and savory recipes. When raw, they can be consumed fresh as a snack dipped into hummus or dressings, shredded into salads, or juiced for a healthy beverage. The roots can also be shredded into coleslaws, sandwiches, wraps, scallion pancakes, and baked goods. In cooked preparations, Carrots can be roasted with other winter root vegetables as a caramelized side dish, boiled for a soft and tender consistency, cooked and blended into natural baby food, or pickled for use as a condiment. Carrots pair well with almonds, bacon, butter, celery, cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan, cinnamon, cream, ginger, parsley, potatoes, mushrooms, shallots, tomatoes, and red or white wine vinegar.

Storage

The roots will keep up to one month when stored in a slightly opened plastic bag to allow for air circulation in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.