Photo credits (left to right): Photo credits (top to bottom): Flickr: John Morgan; Flickr: John Morgan; Flickr: SummerTomato
Foods Included
Whole carrots, Baby carrots
Description
Carrots are long root vegetables that taper at one end. They are a crunchy, sweet vegetable and are usually orange. There are some varieties of carrots that come in shades of purples and yellows. "Baby cut carrots" are often called baby carrots, but are actually cut down to 2-inch pieces from fully grown carrots.
Buy It
Choose crisp, firm, deep orange colored carrots without cracks.
Store It
Carrots can be stored for 1-2 weeks.
Store them in the coolest part of the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel to reduce the amount of condensation that can form.
Keep them away from apples, pears, potatoes, and other fruits and veggetables that produce ethylene gas; it will cause them to become bitter.
Don't store on the counter at room temperature.
Cook It
Wash and scrub carrots before eating.
If the stem end is green, cut it off as it will taste bitter.
Carrots can be left whole or grated, shredded, or sliced into sticks or rounds.
Steam carrots with a little bit of water in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for 5-10 minutes.
Boil carrots in a little bit of water in a pot on the stove for 5-7 minutes.
Roasting carrots in the oven gives them a sweeter flavor. Cut carrots into 1.5 inch pieces and coat with oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer carrots to a baking sheet and spread out in one layer. Cook at 400˚F in the oven for about 20 minutes or until browned and tender.
Why It's Great
Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A which keeps our eyes working, our immune system strong, and our cells growing.
Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage due to normal body functions and environmental factors.
Potassium, a type of electrolyte, helps build muscle and keeps your heart healthy.
Vitamin K helps our bodies heal quickly.
Fiber helps with healthy digestion and keeps us feeling full. Eating enough fiber has been shown to keep our hearts healthy too.
