Scarlet Nantes Carrots

Scarlet Nantes Carrots

Daucus carota var. sativus

Image courtesy Flickr user ccharmon

The Scarlet Nantes Carrot is particularly sweet and perfect for eating raw. This easy to grow carrot is ready to harvest quickly. Carrots are often classified by their root shape, and Nantes refers to their blunt tips with cylindrical roots.

Storage

Carrots will keep for weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in plastic bags so they do not dehydrate. If carrot tops are attached, remove them and store in a plastic bag for a few days.

Preparation

Carrots should be thoroughly washed and scrubbed. It is not necessary to peel them, although many cooks prefer to do so because the skin can be bitter. If using carrot tops, fill a large bowl or salad spinner with cold water, add carrot tops, and swish them around to remove sand and dirt. Wait a minute to let the sediment settle to the bottom, then pull out the greens, dump the water, and repeat until carrot tops are clean. Dry thoroughly by rolling with towels.

Taste

Crisp, juicy texture with sweet flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Remember how your mom used to tell you to eat carrots for your eyes? She was onto something: carrots and their tops are loaded with beneficial vitamin A. The deeper orange the carrot, the more vitamin A it contains. In fact, this vegetable was first grown for use as medicine, not food.