Carrots

Carrots

Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) are a root vegetable in the family Apiaceae, widely cultivated for their edible, typically orange taproot. They are native to Europe and Southwestern Asia but are now grown worldwide.

Starting Carrot Plants

To start carrot plants:

1. Sow seeds directly outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date in your area for spring planting, or 10-12 weeks before the first frost date for fall planting
2. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows, spacing them about 1 inch apart
3. Keep soil moist but not soggy
4. Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall

Carrots are not typically started indoors as they do not transplant well due to their delicate taproot.

Harvesting Carrots

Carrots are typically ready to harvest 60-80 days after sowing, depending on the variety. To harvest:

1. Gently loosen the soil around the carrot with a fork or trowel
2. Pull the carrot from the soil by grasping the top of the root
3. Brush off excess soil and trim the greens to about 1 inch above the root
4. Store harvested carrots in the refrigerator

Carrots are a single-harvest crop, meaning they do not continue to produce after the initial harvest.

Saving Carrot Seeds

To save seeds from carrots:

1. Leave some carrots in the ground to overwinter and produce flowers the following spring
2. Allow the flowers to mature into seed heads, which will turn brown and dry
3. Cut the seed heads when they are fully mature and dry
4. Rub the seed heads between your hands to release the seeds
5. Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

Common Carrot Varieties

Some commonly grown carrot varieties include:

• Nantes: Cylindrical, blunt-tipped roots with a sweet flavor; examples include 'Nelson' and 'Scarlet Nantes'
• Chantenay: Broad-shouldered, tapered roots with a sweet, tender flavor; examples include 'Red-Cored Chantenay' and 'Royal Chantenay'
• Danvers: Thick, conical roots with a rich flavor; examples include 'Danvers 126' and 'Danvers Half Long'
• Imperator: Long, slender roots with a mild flavor; examples include 'Sugarsnax 54' and 'Imperator 58'

Uses as Food

Carrots are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes:

• Eaten fresh as a snack or in salads
• Cooked in soups, stews, and casseroles
• Roasted, steamed, or sautéed as a side dish
• Used in baked goods, such as carrot cake or muffins
• Juiced or blended into smoothies
• Preserved by pickling or fermenting
• Carrots are also known for their nutritional value, being high in Beta-Carotene|beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), fiber, and various antioxidants.