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A close photo of carrots
Vegetables Root vegetables

Carrot

Carrots are crunchy, sweet root vegetables available in orange, purple, red, yellow, and white varieties. Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, they support eye health and digestion. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced.

Did you know ?

  • 1 Carrots were originally purple or white before Dutch growers developed orange varieties.
  • 2 The world’s longest carrot measured over 6.2 meters (20.5 feet).
  • 3 Baby carrots are just regular carrots cut and polished into smaller pieces.

View other Root vegetables

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional values of carrots

Section titled “Detailed nutritional values of ”

Values of an average carrot (~61g) - raw :

Calories25 kcal
Proteins0.6g
Carbohydrates6g
of which sugars3g
Fiber1.7g
Fats0.1g

Vitamins and minerals

Main vitamins

Vitamin AVitamin K1Vitamin CVitamin B9

Main minerals and trace elements

PotassiumChlorideCalciumPhosphorusMagnesium

Ripeness

How to know if a carrot is ripe ?

Section titled “How to know if is ripe ?”
A perfectly ripe carrot

Perfectly ripe

Crisp, sweet, and vibrant with peak flavor.

How to recognize this state :

  • Bright, uniform color (no green shoulders)
  • Firm texture with no bends
  • Sweet earthy smell
  • Smooth skin without cracks
  • Tops are fresh and green (if attached)

Selection

How to choose carrots ?

Section titled “How to choose ?”

To choose quality carrots at the supermarket or market :

  • Opt for firm, straight roots without cracks.
  • Avoid rubbery or limp carrots.
  • Check tops (if attached) for freshness — bright green = good.
  • Smaller carrots are often sweeter.

Storage and ripening

How to store and ripen carrots ?

Section titled “How to store and ripen ?”

How to store carrots ?

  • With tops: Remove greens (they draw moisture), store in fridge for 2-3 weeks.
  • Without tops: Keep in a sealed container with damp paper towels.
  • Long-term: Blanch and freeze for 6-12 months.

How to ripen carrots ?

Unlike some produce, carrots don't 'ripen' post-harvest, but here's how to improve their flavor :

  • Leave in soil longer for sweeter roots.
  • Store at room temperature for 1-2 days to enhance sugars. (use only to enhance sweetness, not to ripen it)
  • Soak limp carrots in ice water for 1 hour to crisp.

Health

Health benefits of a carrot

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  • Boosts vision (vitamin A)
  • Supports immune function
  • Promotes heart health
  • Aids digestion (fiber)
  • Improves skin health

Origin

What is the origin of carrots ?

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Carrots originated in Persia (modern Iran/Afghanistan) around 900 AD. Early varieties were purple or yellow. Dutch growers popularized orange carrots in the 16th century.

Regions of origin

  • Central Asia (wild ancestors)
  • Middle East (early cultivation)
  • Mediterranean (ancient trade)
  • Europe (modern varieties)

Recipes

Cook a carrot according to its ripeness

Section titled “Cook according to its ripeness”

Unripe

  • Carrot top pesto
  • Pickled baby carrots
  • Glazed young carrots

Perfectly ripe

  • Roasted honey carrots
  • Carrot hummus
  • Carrot juice

Overripe

  • Carrot cake
  • Carrot mash
  • Carrot bread

F.A.Q

Frequently asked questions

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Warnings

Warnings and precautions for carrots

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  • Wash carrots thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues if not organic
  • Excessive intake may cause harmless skin orange tint (carotenemia)
  • Choking hazard for small children (cut into sticks)
  • Avoid consuming wild carrots as they can be poisonous

Do not confuse with

Parsnip

Cream-colored, sweeter when cooked, thicker texture.

Sweet Potato

Has orange skin and flesh but is much sweeter and starchier when cooked.