Meet the carrot, one of the greatest survivors of vegetables! 🥕
Carrots – also known as turnips – are not only a rabbit’s favourite, but can also be one of the most reliable ingredients in your kitchen. In Latin it is also known as Daucus carota subsp. sativus , and has been part of humanity’s diet for thousands of years. It originated in Central Asia, probably Afghanistan, where it was still grown in purple and yellowish varieties – the orange-coloured variety we know today was bred by the Dutch in the 17th century.
How important is it in the kitchen? Rating: 5/5 💪
No question about it: carrots are practically unmissable! It can be used in soups, stews, side dishes, salads and even cakes. Raw, steamed, baked, boiled – it can be used in any form. It is a regular in almost all European kitchens.
What can we eat and what can we not eat?
The edible part of the plant is the root – it’s what you know and love. It’s usually at its best when tender and crunchy, but larger specimens are also delicious. Although the green (leaves) are non-toxic, they taste bitter and are rarely used – for example, in soup stock or pesto. The flowering shoots and seeds, on the other hand, are highly volatile in the wild varieties and should be handled with care.
Why does your body love carrots? 🌿
The vitamin A content of carrots is legendary – it comes from beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamins in the body. This compound supports vision, skin health and the immune system. It also contains:
- Vitamin K
- Calcium and potassium
- Dietary fibre that is good for digestion
Traditional medicine also uses it for diarrhoea, intestinal disorders and skin cleansing.
Production and season – when to look? 🧺
Carrots are grown in vast areas across Europe – particularly in France, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. It is also grown extensively in Hungary, mainly in the open field, but early varieties are also produced in glasshouses.
The main season for domestic carrots is from spring to late autumn, but thanks to the stored specimens they are available all year round. In spring and summer you can find fresh Hungarian produce in the shops, but in late winter and early spring you are more likely to find imported carrots.
How to recognise a good quality carrot? 🍴
A good carrot is almost crying out to be taken home:
- Bright orange colour
- Tight, crunchy consistency – should not be rubbery, soft
- The skin is smooth and intact
- If the green is still on, it should be fresh, not wilted
Specimens that are too large can sometimes be woody, so it’s best to choose medium-sized ones.
Storage tips – stay fresh for longer
Carrots do best in the fridge, in a vegetable storage drawer. If you buy them with their greens, it’s a good idea to cut them off, as they will dry out more quickly. Wrapped in damp paper towels in a tightly sealed bag, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
How the world uses carrots 🌍
The carrot is a true citizen of the world:
- In French cuisine, the carrot-onion-celery trio (mirepoix) is used as a base
- India is famous for its spicy gajar ka halwa, a carrot and milk dessert
- Pickled on the table in Japan
- And in America, carrot cake is one of the most popular sweets
Recipe recommendation: classic cream of carrot soup
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium carrots
- 1 small potato
- 1 head onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 dl cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
Dice the vegetables and sauté in butter, then add enough water to cover. Cook until tender, then puree with a hand blender. Add cream, season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. 🧡
Kitchen tips: how to make your carrot dish even better!
Carrots are well tolerated in cooking and baking, but they’re also a real ace raw – think of a good apple and carrot salad! You can use:
- In soups and stews
- Steamed with butter as a garnish
- Grated into salads or cakes
- Fried whole with spicy sauce
As for the spices, ginger, coriander, curry, parsley, rosemary go well with it. However, aniseed or mint flavours are less suitable.
Final thought: carrots above all else! 🥕
Whether you’re on a diet or just looking for a healthy snack, carrots are always a good choice. It’s readily available, cheap, super healthy and can be used in thousands of ways. Next time you choose a vegetable, remember: a carrot never lets you down! 🌿