Carrots are In Season

Part of the In Season series

freshly harvested carrots

It’s carrot season…

Carrots are in season here in Georgia from October to June. This may vary a bit for you depending on where you live. Carrots have been cultivated for a very long time with possible evidence found in ancient Roman and Greek texts.  

The original carrots were more of a purplish color than the standard orange ones we see today. With a mild, sweet flavor, carrots are an approachable vegetable for kids and the veggie adverse.

Fast Facts about Carrots

Carrots are about 88% water. Which can help you feel more full and satisfied after eating them.

  • Contain a high proportion of water: Carrots are about 88% water. Which can help you feel more full and satisfied after eating them.
  • Rich Source of Beta-Carotene: Beta- carotene is known to increase immune system health, is linked to eye and bone health, and reduced cancer rates. Cooking carrots will release more beta carotene than eating them raw.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Carrots are a good source of soluble fiber which is linked to a myriad of good health outcomes including better blood sugar control, reduced cardiovascular disease, and lower cholesterol levels.
  • Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Carrots are a good source of Biotin, Vitamin K1, and Vitamin B6.
  • Contain polyacetylene: They have been found to contain a polyacetylene (type of organic polymer) that is associated with reduced signs of aging.

What parts of carrots are edible

All parts of the carrots are edible not just the roots. Leaves, flowers and seeds can all be eaten.

How I Use Carrots in My Kitchen

  • Roasting: I like to roast them with olive oil and seasonings.
  • In Salads: Shredding them into salads for added flavor, texture, and color is something I do regularly.
  • With Spreads and Dips: I serve them in place of or alongside chips or bread with dips and spreads.
  • Natural Sweetener: Try replacing some of the sugar in cakes, cookies, and muffins with carrots.
  • In soups and stews: Carrots add delicious flavor and texture to soups and stews.
  • Various Colors: I like to use carrots in a variety of colors for interest and nutritional reasons.

Try this: Next time you’re making a salad, add a good amount of shredded purple carrots. The result will be delicious and beautiful!

Looking for a carrot recipe?

Moroccan Spiced Salads

This Moroccan Spiced Salad is a vibrant symphony of flavors, textures, and hues!

What’s In Season Where You Live?

This website is a great resource for discovering what’s in season in any state:

Seasonal Food Guide

Sources:

Alexander, E. M. (2024, February 20). Carrot Trivia: 12 fun facts about the root vegetable. Food Republic. https://www.foodrepublic.com/1513394/facts-about-carrots/ 

Bjarnadottir, A. (2024, June 6). Carrots 101: Nutrition Facts and health benefits. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/carrots#bottom-line 

Mandrich L, Esposito AV, Costa S, Caputo E. Chemical Composition, Functional and Anticancer Properties of Carrot. Molecules. 2023 Oct 19;28(20):7161. doi: 10.3390/molecules28207161. PMID: 37894640; PMCID: PMC10608851.

Thomas C, Erni R, Wu JY, Fischer F, Lamers G, Grigolon G, Mitchell SJ, Zarse K, Carreira EM, Ristow M. A naturally occurring polyacetylene isolated from carrots promotes health and delays signatures of aging. Nat Commun. 2023 Dec 8;14(1):8142. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-43672-7. PMID: 38065964; PMCID: PMC10709416.

The Seed Collection. (2018, February 28). A short history of carrots: The seed collection. TheSeedCollection. https://www.theseedcollection.com.au/blog/A-Short-History-of-Carrots 

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