Skip to content

bunch carrots

ProducePeak season is late summer through fall (August-October in Northern Hemisphere), though carrots are available year-round due to storage capability and global cultivation. Winter storage varieties maintain quality through spring months.

Carrots are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A) and contain significant amounts of dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. A 100g serving provides approximately 8,286 IU of vitamin A and 3.6g of fiber.

About

Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) are root vegetables of the Apiaceae family, native to Central Asia and cultivated worldwide for thousands of years. The edible root is characterized by a tapered cylindrical shape, typically orange in color, though purple, red, yellow, and white varieties exist. Carrots have a naturally sweet flavor with subtle earthy undertones, becoming sweeter when cooked due to caramelization of sugars. The root's texture ranges from crisp and crunchy when raw to tender and soft when cooked. Modern orange carrots were selectively bred in the Netherlands during the 17th century; earlier varieties were predominantly purple.

Culinary Uses

Carrots are among the most versatile vegetables in global cuisine, appearing in raw preparations, cooked dishes, stocks, and as a fundamental aromatic base in mirepoix (alongside onion and celery) in French and European cooking. They are featured in soups, stews, braises, roasted vegetable preparations, and juices. Grated raw carrots feature in salads and slaws, while whole or cut carrots are steamed, boiled, roasted, or sautéed as side dishes. In Asian cuisines, carrots appear in stir-fries and curries. The greens, when fresh, are edible and used in salads or as garnish.