The Snappy Orange Vegetable

They say eating a carrot is good for your eyes. Carrots are also known as “rabbit food” probably because of one famous bunny. Rabbits do like carrots and so do many humans and they are good for more than just the eyes.

Did you know that carrots were not always orange? They used to be white, purple and yellow in color. It was about 500 years ago that the orange carrot came along.

Early settlers used carrots as a remedy for different stomach ailments. Today we use them in many of the dishes we serve. These orange delights are not seasonal and can be purchased year round. At a farmers market you will find them bunched together with leafy green tops as if they were just pulled out of the ground. They can also be purchased sliced, chopped or even in miniature versions at the supermarket. This may be much handier but be sure to eat them fairly quickly. The packages usually have an expiration date on them. Carrots are like other veggies and fruits that shouldn’t be cleaned until ready to eat them.

Store your carrots in the refrigerator. They have a long life expectancy in the refrigerator and keeping them cool will help to delay browning and wilting. When choosing carrots be sure they are firm and do not easily bend.

Carrots are one of the better raw vegetables to eat. Grab a carrot, wash it off, clip the top and tip and munch to your heart’s content. Eaten raw, the carrot maintains all the nutrients that it contains. These nutrients include beta carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, iron and calcium.

Carrots also taste great when cooked. They hold up well when baked or boiled on the stove. Carrots are often present in stews or soups. They do take a little longer to soften when cooked, like the potato, so add them to soups or stews early to give them to cook through.

Carrots make a great side dish. Top them with oregano or other types of herbs. Serve them with a dollop of butter or glaze them with honey or brown sugar

Carrots can also be used in cakes, muffins or bread. Carrots cakes with cream cheese frosting are often a staple dessert when it comes to Easter dinner but it’s great anytime of year. Carrot bread makes a great snack and carrot muffins taste great with a glass of milk for a quick breakfast.