CARROT
THE ORIGINS OF CARROT
For thousands of years, this root originating from the Middle East and Central Asia was
cultivated annually while it is biennial. The color of the carrots has changed since the beginning, from purple (almost black), various mutations have produced a yellow variety. These are the two colors that were used by the Greeks and Romans for their medicinal properties. Until the rebirth, this vegetable had little appeal, a bland color and a woody heart did not encourage consumption. It was in the 19th century that French agronomists produced orange carrots. Among the 100 existing varieties, different sizes and colors are observed: from 6 to 90 cm long and from 1 to 6 cm in diameter with various colors such as white, orange, red, purple or black.
THE VARIETIES OF CARROTS
We have early, seasonal and conservation carrots.
Various varieties are present in France :
Amsterdam, fine and cylindrical;
Nantes half-long, colored, fine and sweet;
Touchon, very long and well colored with a purple tendency.
The early “De Carentan” and “Bureau” are to be forced under cover.
HOW TO CHOOSE CARROT
We distinct conservation and new carrots.
Sold in bulk, the conservation cores must be firm and free of bruising. A beautiful bright orange color is required.
New carrots are presented in bunches and straight, green and shiny stems indicate their freshness.
HOW TO STORE AND COOK CARROT
Very fresh and crunchy when purchased, you can keep it up to 7 days in the refrigerator. We advise you to scrape the carrot rather than peel it because the vitamins and minerals are concentrated near the skin.
CARROT’S HEALTH PROPERTIES
This vegetable has a moderate energy intake even though its carbohydrate content is among the highest among vegetables (7%). The carrot has high carotene and fibre contents. These two elements give it protective properties against certain cancers such as lung cancer. Pectins are fibres that rebalance the intestinal transit and, at the same time, reduce its assimilation by the intestine, which tends to lower cholesterol levels.
