FOOD FEATURE Carrots
Fun Facts:
- Early varieties of carrots were not orange but purple, black and yellow
- They are one of the highest source of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A which is a potent antioxidant
- Carrots are a good source of fiber
- They are healthy for the eyes. The beta-carotene content of the carrots protect the eyes
- Buy carrots that are a deep orange color and that feel hard. When you bite into a carrot it should be crispy
- The high amount of vitamin A that carrots contain help promote healthy skin and support the immune system
- Carrots are also a source of vitamin K, necessary for our bones, and biotin, required for the metabolism of fats and for the health of our skin.
- Cut off the green tops of carrots before storing them to ensure the carrot remains firm and crisp
- Steaming carrots enhances the availability of beta-carotene by helping break down some of the fiber
Try making our Tomato Carrot Salsa!
- You can buy fresh local carrots at Lund’s Carrots, a vendor at the Calgary Kingsland Farmer’s Market.
- Grate carrots and add them to fresh salads for a sweet flavor
- Grate carrots and add them to muffins and loaves
- Chop up carrots and add them to soups for added fiber and vitamin A
- Eat carrot sticks as a snack throughout the day, and dip them in hummus for extra protein
- Juice ’em! Try making fresh carrot juice. One of my favorites is juicing apples and carrots for a sweet treat!
- Grow your own! Planting carrots in a garden is very easy, so next season give it a try!
What recipes do you use carrots in?
Did you know that the carrot was the first vegetable to be canned back in the 1800s as it was one of the most popular?! (Murray, 179).
