Carrots
Taste
Sweet. Bitter, parsley, celery.
Eat
Carrots are a wonderful example of eating from ‘root to shoot’ with zero waste in the kitchen. They come in a variety of colours ranging from orange, purple, white, red, and yellow.
Carrot root. Organic or home grown taste the best.
Carrot top greens. Often unused the greens are in fact edible and very nutritious.
Because of their sweetness they can be used in sweet or savoury dishes such as cakes, muffins, soups, stews, curries.
Health & Nutrition
Carrot tops are loaded with more vitamin C than the roots, potassium and calcium. Bitter foods also aid digestion. Carrots are rich in carotenoids including lutein which supports the eyes as well as vitamin A. They also contain good amounts of biotin, vitamin K, molybdenum, fibre, B6, and vitamin C.
Buying tips
Go for firm vibrant carrots with tops if possible as this is proof of their freshness. Only use organic carrot tops that have not been sprayed with pesticides.
Storage tips
Store muddy in a paper bag in the fridge. Twist off the tops to prevent the carrots from going floppy.
Cooking tips
Prep:
Soak in cold water if very muddy before scrubbing/rinsing.
To retain the natural sweetness of carrots roast or stir fry.
Raw: Raw carrots can be grated, juiced, shaved or chopped in to strips for a healthy snack. Carrot top greens can be turned into raw pesto or added into falafel.
Roasting: For smaller carrots leave whole or else slice longways or into quarters lengthways. Massage with oil and salt and spread out evenly over a roasting tray until soft and caramelised. 190 for 30 mins.
Steam: Quick and easy. Cut in to slices or strips and steam until tender but not too soft. 10-15 mins. Serve with salt and oil.
Simmer: Add sliced carrots or tops to soups and stews towards the end of cooking until tender.
Waste reduction tips
Turn your carrot tops in to carrot top pesto or chop finely and add in to falafel, patties, soups, stews, risottos.
Grate leftover carrots into salads and sauces to increase veg content and diversity of meal.
