Carrots
Carrots are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables we eat with the common orange cultivar developing in Afghanistan around AD 1000. Selected for its roots from the native Queen Anne’s lace, it is found with parsley, cilantro, parsnips and other herbs and vegetables in the Apiaceae family. Carrots are versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. They work into several recipes, juices, and are enjoyed as a standalone side in several cuisines.
When preparing carrots, remove the greens and peel them with a potato/vegetable peeler. Then, cut according to your recipe and enjoy!
Recipe recommendations
Mirepoix- The most basic vegetable cooking recipe you never knew for stews, soups, and braising.
Stand alone side: Carrot Vichy with Anthony Bourdain (youtube)
Winter warm up: roasted carrots and potatoes
Getting those veggies in with coleslaw
Nutrition information
CSA membership involves exploring cooking options that include more vegetables than the average American household, and that can be a challenge early on. Which vegetables are important to eat first, and which can be stored without losing too much nutritional value?
Carrots have both fat soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in your liver when consumed in excess, so eating them less frequently is ok. Water soluble vitamins need to be eaten more regularly to maintain peak health day to day. The recipes above include fats to improve absorption of Vitamins A and K. Vitamin A helps with vision and vitamin K is essential for healthy cellular repair.
Vitamins and minerals in carrots that are water soluble are Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Biotin which assist metabolism and vital statistics including blood pressure.
Carrots also include several antioxidants, which improve immune function and prevent several diseases. These also tend to be fat-soluble and are best cooked in recipes with fats and oils such as olive, avacado, or butter. Overall, carrots are great sources of fat-soluble vitamins and when prepared properly can be consumed once or twice per week for great health benefits.
