Due to the content of one or another pigment, carrots can show completely
unexpected beneficial properties. And it’s not just about strengthening the visual
function, although the lack of vitamin A contained in the usual
orange carrots can cause twilight disorder
vision.
We are talking about dozens of diseases in the treatment of which carrots are capable
show your best side. Moreover, among the most formidable opponents,
with which carrots under certain conditions successfully cope, cancer enters.
Useful properties of carrots
Composition and calorie content
Raw carrots contain (in 100 g): .
Calories 41 Kcal
Vitamin
B4 8,8 Potassium, K 320 Vitamin C 5,9 Sodium,
Na 69 Vitamin
B3 0,983 Phosphorus,
P 35 Vitamin E 0,66 Calcium, Ca 33 Vitamin B5 0,273 Magnesium, Mg 12
Full composition
Carrots are a healthy non-nutritive vegetable that contains a lot of
the amount of vitamins and minerals the body needs for a normal
functioning. It is useful to eat a vegetable, both raw and
boiled.
Contrary to popular belief, heat treatment does not deprive
use carrots. When cooking, the vegetable loses a lot of vitamin C, but when
this it retains vitamins A and E. Also high temperatures
break down cell walls, allowing a variety of nutrients
to be released and better absorbed in the body. In addition, scientists
claim that heat treating carrots results in a 35% increase
in it the level of antioxidants.
By the way, the purple carrot rich in anthocyanins has the greatest
antioxidant capacity among all types of this vegetable.
Medicinal properties
Orange carrots are a real storehouse of beta-carotene (provitamin
A) and one of the main natural sources of its production for the body.
Under the influence of liver enzymes, it turns into vitamin A
(retinol), which supports the function of many internal organs
and systems. First, vitamin A is the foundation of overall eye health.
With a lack of this vitamin, a person may experience a disorder
twilight vision, that is, he may lose the ability to see
in dim light (popularly this disorder is called “chicken
blindness ”).
Secondly, vitamin A is important for the normal functioning of the retina.
eyes and prevents age-related degeneration of the inner lining
eyeball. By the way, here he acts in conjunction with two
other carotenoids found in carrots – zeaxanthin
and lutein. However, carrots are not a panacea, so you should not count on
that eating this vegetable can correct or prevent myopia
and hyperopia.
In addition, retinol is actively involved in the regulation of synthesis
proteins, redox processes in the body,
and also contributes to the normal metabolism and functioning of the immune
systems. This vitamin is very important in the process of skeletal formation,
teeth and nails. It is effective for seborrhea and fragility of hair, so
how it participates in the regulation of the activity of the sebaceous glands.
Vitamin A is invaluable during pregnancy. It
important for the normal development of the embryo and reduces the risk of birth
premature baby. Retinol is needed by the body to maintain
good skin condition as it stimulates protein synthesis
collagen, and also accelerates wound healing and reduces the danger
the development of infections. Moreover, it plays an important role in slowing down
aging processes.
Finally, beta-carotene is considered an excellent antioxidant that
suppresses free radicals that provoke various dangerous
diseases. For example, beta-carotene is believed to be good
a prophylactic agent that prevents cancer recurrence..
In addition, this carotenoid helps maintain and prolong
life of AIDS patients.
It is also important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
system.
Be sure to take note of the fact that vitamin A is
to fat-soluble vitamins. In order for it to be absorbed by the body
and brought benefits, it is necessary to use it together with fats. So,
raw carrots are recommended to be eaten with a small amount of vegetable
butter or sour cream.
It is also important to know that large amounts of beta-carotene in combination
with alcohol exerts too much stress on the liver.
In addition to beta-carotene, for which carrots are so prized, they also contain
significant doses of group vitamins
B, C and E. The latter helps the absorption of retinol, and also has
beneficial effect on the skin, responsible for the regeneration of its upper
layers. Vitamin C, in turn, promotes wall thickening
vessels, and B vitamins are involved in fat metabolism and hematopoiesis.
Among other things, the root vegetable contains fiber,
contributing to the normalization of digestion. A large number
potassium and magnesium are useful in diseases of the cardiovascular system
(hypertension, atherosclerosis).
Zinc, in turn, promotes the conversion of provitamin A into
active form.
In medicine
Carrots have long been considered a product that has medicinal
properties. For example, ancient Greek healers recommended this
vegetable for women as a contraceptive – to prevent pregnancy.
By the way, modern scientists have confirmed that carrots contain
enzymes that can block conception. However, their concentrations
not enough to provide real action. Since the .th century
… carrots have been used as a treatment for jaundice,
cough and hoarseness.
Modern research confirms the validity of the definition
carrots as a product of medicinal value. This vegetable is used
as a raw material for the production of carotene. In addition, this multivitamin
the root vegetable is good, both in the treatment of certain diseases, and
in dietary nutrition. It also produces fiber, glucose,
lecithin, as well as essential and fatty oils.
Scientists also pay attention to carrot seeds, from which they have learned
receive daucarin extract – a complex of flavonoids (these plant
pigments are involved in many processes in
organism). In pharmaceuticals, it is presented in the form of tablets of 0,02
and has an effect mainly on coronary
vessels. It is important to note that the drug is aimed at weakening
attacks of angina pectoris, but does not stop them.
Carrots are also highly appreciated in dentistry. According to many
dentists, in our time, when a person uses a lot of thermally
processed soft food, he commits an insufficient amount
chewing movements, as a result of which the load on the periodontium decreases
(the tissue surrounding the tooth). Dentists recommend eating carrots
raw as a gum trainer. Besides carotene
has a beneficial effect on the oral mucosa, and
also strengthens tooth enamel.
In folk medicine
Undoubtedly, carrots have a lot of useful and medicinal
properties, which made it a very popular product in the folk
medicine. However, it is worth paying attention to what to cure
any disease with carrots alone is almost impossible.
This vegetable is actively involved in the prevention of various
ailments, but before using it in treatment, it is imperative
consult a doctor, because in some cases carrots
not only will not help, but also can lead to complications of the disease.
Traditional healers believe that carrots, unlike many others
vegetables, suitable for consumption unpeeled. Recommended
it is good to wash the root vegetable, but do not peel it from the top skin, since
it contains coarse dietary fiber. They allow you to normalize
bowel function and improve peristalsis. Besides,
according to Japanese and New Zealand scientists, fibers are capable of
neutralize food toxins and carcinogens.
It is also believed that, thanks to vitamin E, carrots may help
improving the condition of the male body, participating in the recovery process
sexual function. According to folk recipes for men suffering
from lack of erection, you need to include carrots in your diet,
boiled in milk, as well as carrot juice mixed with honey.
Drug treatment can also be accompanied by the use of
a mixture of 1-2 apples, 1 carrot root and 1 teaspoon of honey.
Infusions and powder
Healing infusions and decoctions are usually prepared based on carrot seeds.
and have a positive effect on the state of the body with biliary dyskinesia
pathways, gallstone diseases, diseases of the digestive system, kidneys,
and also with constipation
and hemorrhoids.
Along with carrot juice, seed infusion is also advised as
anthelmintic.
The effect of medicinal drinks is due to the fact that, firstly,
activate the formation and secretion of bile. Secondly, they have
diuretic effect, which promotes the elimination of sand and small
kidney stones. Thirdly, infusions stop pain attacks with
renal colic. By the way, the elements contained in carrots are involved
in the recovery processes of cells of the renal epithelium, which are destroyed
when consuming spicy food and alcohol, so not only
seeds, but also a root vegetable is useful in the treatment of kidney disease.
Irregular food intake and sedentary lifestyle of modern
a person often leads to constipation. Those, in turn, provoke
stagnation of blood in the rectum and, as a result, hemorrhoids. Considering
the fact that carrots have a mild laxative effect, they do not
leads to irritation of the intestinal walls, but is effective
solves the problem of constipation. To get rid of problems and normalize
digestion, traditional healers recommend using either powder
from carrot seeds, or infusions. But to resist hemorrhoids
tea from carrot tops helps.
To prepare the infusion, you need to collect seeds in September.
(together with umbrellas). Then they need to be dried and stored in places
with low humidity. Further from the seeds, previously threshed
(without umbrellas), you can make infusions or crush them into powder.
To prepare a medicinal drink, pour 1 tablespoon
a spoonful of seeds with boiling water and leave to infuse in a thermos for the whole
night. After that, the infusion must be filtered and drunk warmed up 3 times.
in a day. The powder should also be taken three times a day, 1 gram.
As for the tops for brewing tea, they are harvested in the summer.
(June-July), dried and stored in dry boxes. For brewing
1 cup of tea is sufficient for . teaspoon of dry carrot leaves.
You can also add other herbs or dried berries to them. but
it should be borne in mind that for all its usefulness, the tops draw out
from the earth a large amount of nitrates, therefore, pregnant and lactating
women should be wary of such teas.
Compresses
The use of carrots in traditional medicine is not limited to
internal use, but also involves external influence.
So, this vegetable has a beneficial effect on various skin
damage, reducing pain and providing wound healing and anti-inflammatory
actions.
Traditional healers claim carrots promote healing
not only superficial wounds, but also copes with more difficult
cases, pulling pus from the infected focus. This requires
apply to the damaged area crushed to a mushy
state fresh carrots, cover it with thick paper (it is important not
replace paper with cotton wool and gauze, which will quickly absorb juice) and
bandage.
Raw carrots, sliced into slices, fixed to the body
bandages, suitable for relieving skin inflammation as a result of minor
sunburn.
Juice
Carrot juice in pure form or with the addition of various ingredients
used for various pathologies and as a preventive
funds. Usually it is prepared using a juicer, but with it
absence, you can try to do it manually. For this carrot
it is necessary to grate on a fine grater, and then squeeze the juice with your hands,
wrapping the chopped vegetable in cheesecloth.
Carrot juice is useful for high acidity, as well as for
anemia
(anemia). In the latter case, it is recommended to drink not just carrot
juice, and a mixture of carrot, beet juice
and radish.
This addition to medication usually lasts 2-3
months. The drink is taken 1-2 tablespoons a day. Carrot
juice combined with celery juice
essential for the body in case of frequent stress and nervous disorders.
Orange root juice is also effective in fighting infections,
affecting the respiratory organs. For example, with laryngitis
folk healers advise drinking carrot juice with honey (1 tablespoon
spoon of honey in a glass of fresh juice) 2 tablespoons 4-5 times
in a day. With angina
a similar mixture (1 tablespoon of honey per 100 g of juice and 100 g of water)
gargle is recommended.
Carrot juice is effective in treating the common cold. For cooking
drops you need to take half a glass of fresh juice, half a glass of vegetable
oil and add 3-4 drops of garlic to this mixture
juice. Such a medicine is instilled in 3 drops in each nasal passage.
3-4 once a day.
In oriental medicine
In oriental medicine, carrots are classified as neutral products,
which do not have a pronounced cooling or warming
action on the body. The orange root vegetable is believed to be beneficial
affects the work of the heart, and also strengthens the nervous system
and relieves fatigue.
The use of carrots in traditional oriental medicine is not too
differs from domestic habits. For example, there it is exactly like this
the same, as with us, they practice the preparation of infusion from carrot
seeds. They are poured with boiling water, allowed to brew and then taken
1 spoon several times a day. It is believed that this drink warms up
kidneys. Also, carrots have long been considered a good helper in
poisoning and inflammation of the gallbladder and bladder. Moreover,
carrots are used to remove intestinal parasites.
In scientific research
Being one of the main sources of beta-carotene, supplying
a large amount of vitamins and minerals in the human body,
carrots were doomed to become the object of scientific research. Should
note that this vegetable is of interest not only among medical scientists,
but also from representatives of other fields of science.
However, research and experimentation is still of paramount importance.
associated with the effect of carrots on human health. So doctor
Kirsten Brandt from the University of Newcastle during experiments on rats
found that eating carrots reduces the risk of cancer.
She also found out that the component responsible for this effect
Is a natural pesticide falcarinol that protects carrots from fungi..
Despite the fact that scientists have not figured out what is the mechanism of action
falcarinol and what doses are needed for successful treatment, desperate
American Anne Cameron, who suffered from colon cancer
with metastases in the lungs, I decided to test this method of treatment
on myself. After reading on the Internet about the anti-cancer effect of carrots,
she organized therapy for herself – every day to drink about
five glasses (about 2 kg of root vegetables) of fresh carrot juice.
After 8 months, her stage 4 cancer was cured.
However, doctors still claim that carrots alone can treat cancer.
just impossible. They explain that, firstly, the tumor of this
women had surgery before she started drinking carrot
juice, and, secondly, darkening in the lungs were not biopsied,
therefore, it is no longer possible to say for sure that these were metastases..
However, doctors do not deny the beneficial effects of carrot
juice on the patient’s body, since postoperative chemotherapy
she refused, replacing it with a “carrot” diet and still managed
completely defeat the disease.
Thus, cancer treatment must be approached with great
seriousness and do not rely solely on miraculous properties
certain products and herbs. Dr. Brandt in his
research suggests that carrots show much
the best cancer fighting effect compared to other foods.
What matters here is that she compares the effects of carrots with those of
other products, and not with medicinal influence.
A striking and at the same time sad example of refusal of treatment and timely
operations in favor of spiritual practices and a raw food diet (carrots were
his favorite vegetable), became famous Apple CEO Steve
Jobs, who died of pancreatic cancer.
Scientists who studied the effects of beta-carotene came to interesting conclusions
on the development of lung cancer. A large-scale study showed that
beta-carotene, which enters the human body mainly from carrots,
helps prevent cancer of the respiratory system
systems. However, smokers and workers in asbestos plants are the opposite.
should be careful with large doses of beta-carotene as
in such conditions, he may not prevent, but, on the contrary, provoke
disease development.… Reasons for reverse action until the end
unclear, but medics are working on solving this puzzle.
As noted above, carrots are of interest not only to
representatives of the medical field. For example, Scottish scientists
invented a way to turn carrot waste after cooking
juice into nanofibers. This environmentally friendly and biodegradable
the material will be able to replace carbon nanofibers in the future, widely
used for the manufacture of motorcycle helmets, snowboards and car
components. Thus, scientists hope to reduce consumption
petroleum needed to make carbon fiber..
In dietetics
Being a low-calorie food rich in vitamins and minerals,
carrots are often used as a staple food
.… However, people with diseases of the liver and digestive organs
system, it is contraindicated. At least before getting on
it “sits down” you need to consult a doctor. Also follows
be prepared for the fact that consuming a large amount of this
orange vegetable can lead to yellowing of the skin.
A diet of one product, even if it is a multivitamin carrot,
can not be called balanced in any way, therefore specialists in general
it is not advised to resort to such measures for losing weight. Better to replace
fast food carrots or eat one root vegetable shortly before taking
food, in order to then eat a smaller portion and feel
satiety faster.… But if you still decide to arrange for yourself
mono-diet, you should not continue it for more than three days.
During this period, it is recommended to consume both a raw vegetable and
boiled. By the way, it is necessary to add to raw carrots
some fat, but if the diet is aimed at weight loss, then you need
monitor the proportions: 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or
2 tablespoons of low-fat sour cream per 1 kg of root vegetables.
If we talk about medical dietary nutrition, then carrots, as
as a rule, it is always included in the diet. In addition, mashed potatoes and juices from
carrots can be given to children as early as 6-7 months.
In cooking
Carrots are a common vegetable in almost all cuisines of the world. It is added
in vegetable stews, salads, soups, all types of pilaf are prepared with it and used
as a healthy snack. In many countries, the orange root crop
used in the preparation of various desserts: pies, puddings,
tsimes (Jewish sweet vegetable stew), etc. And in Japan you can
buy ice cream with carrot and orange flavor.
One of the most popular vegetable juices is also made from carrots.
In the past few years, there has been an ecological
trend, which means that the maximum use of
all parts of a vegetable or fruit. So, the chefs came up with an application
carrot tops – it is added to soups, sauces, salads and casseroles.
At first glance, cooking carrots looks like a simple task,
but in fact, the vegetable often turns out to be either undercooked or overcooked,
therefore it is worth remembering that cut into circles or cubes
boil carrots in 8-10 minutes, and a whole root vegetable in 20-30.
Carrots are baked at 180 ° C for 40-45 minutes.
For frying, small circles or straws will be ready.
in 4-6 minutes.
Carrots go well with practically all foods, and
especially well absorbed with proteins and fats. Also useful
eat carrots with food,
rich in iron, since the root vegetable contributes to its maximum
assimilation.
Beverages
There has already been a lot about the beneficial properties of freshly squeezed carrot juice.
said above, so I just need to add that there is no need to hope
on a similar effect from pack juices. Research has shown,
that in a fresh drink there are 4 times more carotenoids, and the content
beta-carotene is 6 times higher than that in nectars.
True, you need to drink fresh juice immediately after preparation, because
that carotenoids are destroyed when exposed to sunlight.
In order to somehow diversify the carrot juice, you can cook
a real vitamin cocktail. It will take a quarter
medium beetroot, 1 orange, 2 medium carrots and a slice of ginger
.… First you need to squeeze the beet juice and give
let it settle in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, then grind and add
all other ingredients.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, carrots are valued primarily due to the presence
in its composition of beta-carotene, which is transformed in the body
into vitamin A. It helps to maintain the skin in good
condition and promotes healing of acne,
therefore, its synthetic analogs retinoids are often used
in cosmetics.
Research has shown that retinol increases the production of
collagen and takes an active part in smoothing wrinkles,
therefore it can be found on store shelves in the form of whey
for face. If you want a more budgetary option, or
if you are afraid to put any “chemistry” on your face, you can try
prepare the product yourself using carrots.
The mask for oily skin consists of chopped carrots and a small
the amount of water (the mixture must be brought to a slurry). Means,
suitable for dry skin, – mask to restore water
balance. To prepare it, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of grated
carrots, egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of sour cream. For normal
skin is suitable for a remedy from 1/4 cup of kefir, 1/4 cup of carrot
juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Keep masks on your face for about
15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Dangerous properties of carrots and contraindications
Carrots are a healthy, low-calorie dietary product that
with moderate consumption, it mainly has a beneficial effect
on the state of human health. However, as with any other product,
there are cases in which the use of carrots should be limited.
First, do not lean too heavily on fresh carrot
juice, because it puts a serious strain on the pancreas.
Secondly, with exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
carrots are generally best avoided as they contain a lot of
the amount of insoluble fiber, heavy for a diseased intestine.
Thirdly, carrots are not recommended for use in case of diseases.
liver. It is important to note that this vegetable is useful as a preventive measure
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, but is contraindicated during exacerbations.
Finally, when consuming large amounts of carrots daily
(more than two) carotenemia may occur. In such situation
the skin (on the palms and feet) and the whites of the eyes turn yellowish orange
color.… It does not do much harm to the body, but it gives
understand that the consumption of carrots should be reduced. Also not worth it
forget that carrots easily absorb nitrates, which
growers add to the soil to accelerate growth.
We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible dangers of carrots.
in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share
a picture on social networks, with a link to our page:
Interesting Facts
Despite the fact that carrots have long been known in different corners
planet, one of the peaks of its popularity in Europe fell on the times
Second World War. The reason for the surge in interest in orange
the vegetable became the British military. Trying to hide new ones from the enemy
technologies for detecting enemy aircraft, the British explained
sharply increased accuracy of their pilots in the dark
that they get high doses of vitamin A from carrots and thus
improve their twilight vision. Actually a vitamin deficiency
And it can lead to a deterioration in the ability to see in the dark, but
its excess does not lead to the emergence of superpowers.
Evidence of an earlier European interest in carrots
the Dutch painting of the XVI-XVII centuries can serve. Artists
of that era often created still lifes with images of different
vegetables, including carrots. In the painting by Peter Artsen “The Merchant
vegetables ”(1508), you can see dark-colored carrots. And here
in 1640, a painting by Gerard Dau appeared, on which a new orange
carrots are shown in the very center. In the foreground is orange
vegetable placed on his “Kitchen Still Life” and Abraham Vann
Beyer.
A German legend goes even deeper into the Middle Ages.
that carrots are a favorite delicacy of the forest gnomes. It was believed
what if you leave a basket of carrots on the edge in the evening, then in the morning
grateful gnomes will leave an ingot of gold in return.
As for modern society, in the legends of the gnomes
no one, of course, no longer believes, but carrots are appreciated
and in some places they try to perpetuate by erecting monuments to her,
opening museums and holding festivals and celebrations in her honor.
Among the most famous monuments is New Zealand
“Giant” that reaches 7,5 m in height. You can also note
a monument of 3 carrots in the Turkish city of Beypazar, which
is considered a major producer of carrot seeds. In the USA, carrots
sticking out of the ground, graced the entrance to the Michigan unemployed fund,
in Egypt and Canada, carrot monuments are placed in tourist cities.
Interestingly, in Europe, carrots officially have “dual citizenship”
after all, since 1991, this vegetable has also been recognized as a fruit. And the point is here
not at all in scientific discoveries, but in the fact that the Europeans decided
bypass their laws, so as not to change them. According to the European
legislation, in Europe it is allowed to produce
and only sell fruit preserves, while the Portuguese
learned how to cook delicious vegetable jam – carrots. After
recognition of carrots as a fruit, they were able to absolutely legally cook
and export your product to other European countries.
Botanical description
From a botanical point of view, carrots are a biennial herbaceous
a plant, although in everyday life this is usually called a root crop used
in cooking. Most scientists are of the opinion that the cultivated
carrots (lat. daucus carota subsp. sativus) belongs
to the genus of wild carrots, the umbrella family. However, some botanists
they do not agree with this, considering sowing and wild carrots to be different species..
At the same time, it has not yet been possible to find the homeland of the domestic species.
True, scientists cultivate and remove an edible vegetable from a wild species
so far they have not been able to either, so the discussions are continuing.
Origin of the name
The word “carrot” comes from the Old Church Slavonic “murky»
and English “carrot“, First encountered in written
sources in 1530, most likely, was borrowed from the French
language, in which carrots are still called “carrot“. French
the name comes from the Latin “carōta“, And then, in his
turn, from the Greek “carroton“(Karōton). It is believed
that the Greek word has an Indo-European root ker– (horn),
due to the similarity of the shape of the root crop with the horn..
Cultivation history
Carrots are one of the most ancient cultivated vegetable crops.
Drawing on archaeological excavations, rock paintings and written
evidence, it can be argued that it is already about 4 thousand years old..
Researchers believe that the origin of this vegetable was in the countries
Western Asia – Afghanistan and Iran. The seeds of this vegetable were also
discovered in Switzerland during excavations of pile structures of a bronze
century. There is evidence that the carrot was famous
ancient Romans and Greeks. According to written evidence, in
those days people considered it a real delicacy and served it to the table
during big festivities..
Interestingly, in contrast to modern use, in ancient
times, carrots were grown mainly for the sake of seeds and aromatic
tops. The earliest mentions of the use of a root vegetable were found
in ancient sources and date back to the .st century A.D. Carrots were famous
not only as a food product, but also as a medicine.
In many medical works of antiquity, the healing properties are described.
of this plant. Moreover, the Greeks called him “philtron»
– the magic of love and believed that eating carrots would help a person
find your love faster.
It is believed that carrots were introduced to Europe around IX-XIII
in. The first to take it into their diet were the Spaniards and the French.
This vegetable was especially popular at the court of Charlemagne.
Since the XIII century. they began to cultivate carrots in China, Japan
and India. But Americans taste and healing qualities of carrots at first
did not appreciate it at all, letting the harvests go to feed the pigs. First written
the mention of carrots in Russia is an entry in the Domostroy of the .th century,
although it is believed that it was known here much earlier.
However, it should be noted that before the seventeenth century. the carrots were not at all like that
as we are used to seeing her today, as can be seen by looking
on the canvases of the masters of European painting of those times. The main difference
– root vegetable color. Scientists believe that the most widespread
white and purple carrots, but there were also known varieties of red
and yellow colors. According to academician N. Vavilov, the homeland of the white
and purple carrots were Afghanistan, yellow – China, and red –
Mediterranean..
The bright orange carrots familiar to us were bred by the Dutch
gardeners only in the seventeenth century. The reason why the vegetable got exactly
this color is not known for certain. Perhaps this option stuck.
and was appreciated for its taste characteristics. But according to legend,
carrot color is associated with the Dutch royal dynasty of Orange,
whose official color has long been orange. In gratitude to Wilhelm
Orange, under which Holland gained independence, or simply,
to please the “orange prince”, gardeners brought out a vegetable of just such
color.
Selection and storage
First of all, it is recommended to choose not too large carrots.
– medium size. Naturally, the root crop should not have visible
damage, stains or build-ups, it must be hard. Greenish
the color at the base of the carrot means it will taste bitter.
If you buy carrots with tops, then the leaves are by no means
should be withered, but on the contrary – fresh and bright green.
As for storage, this vegetable is not too whimsical and quite
can lie in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
True, it is important to immediately cut off the tops from the root crop, since it
draws out all the freshness and moisture from it. Also, carrots are not worth it.
store next to apples,
which emit ethylene gas, which contributes to its rapid overripening
and decay. When it comes to storing large quantities of carrots,
then gardeners usually lower it into the cellar. Some summer residents recommend
store the vegetable in boxes with a mixture of sand and wood shavings, which
should prevent moisture evaporation and inhibit decay processes.
Carrots can also be sliced or grated and frozen – in this
form, it can be stored for a whole year. Although given that this vegetable
readily available in markets and supermarkets at any time of the year,
usually people do not make large stocks. For the same reason, it does not have
it makes a lot of sense to follow numerous tips from the Internet and
wrap carrots in wet towels or store them in jars
with water in order to extend its life.
If light mold does appear on your carrots, then
do not rush to throw it away. Unlike soft foods in which
the fungus spreads extremely quickly with hard carrots
it is more difficult for him to cope. Thus, cutting off the affected part and
another small piece, the vegetable can be used.
Sorts
Cultural carrots are usually divided into a dining room (for consumption
for human food) and fodder (for pet food). Thanks to
the work of breeders, a dining variety of cultivated carrots
has a large number of different varieties intended
for various purposes. For example, some of them (Bolero F1, Maestro
F1) are perfect for making fresh juice. BUT
Kazan F1 variety was bred specifically for pilaf preparation.
In addition, yellow, purple and red carrots did not remain
in the Middle Ages, they are still grown and successfully used during
in many countries of the world. The color of the vegetable depends on the content of that
or other pigment. So, the yellow color of carrots is given by lutein, red
– lycopene, purple – anthocyanin, orange – beta-carotene. Everything
these substances are useful in their own way and have a predominantly positive
impact on the body.
Among the unusual varieties that attract attention with their appearance,
“Dragon” can be distinguished, whose long fruits (up to 25 cm) have bright purple
color and spicy taste, “Lunar White” – with white fruits and “Yellowstone”
– with canary yellow fruits. It is impossible to ignore and
variety “Parisian carrot”, the fruits of which, although traditionally orange
colors, but have a rounded shape (with a diameter of 3 to 6 cm) and resemble
radish. And here are the “Cosmic purple” carrots behind a purple peel
hides bright orange pulp.
By the way, the recently popular baby carrot
in fact, it did not appear as a result of breeding a new variety,
but only because the Californian farmer Mike Yuroshek is tired of
throw away part of the crop due to curvature or other minor “injuries”
root crops. Then he threw the illiquid carrot into the potato peeler.
and on the way out I got small peeled fruits that supermarkets
began to buy from him at a price much higher than the price of the usual
carrot. True, over time, breeders bred a real baby carrot.
with very small and sweet fruits.
Description and features of growing carrots
Depending on the variety, the root vegetable of the carrot can reach weight
in 200 g and length – 30 cm with a diameter of 2,5 to 6 cm.It can
also take on different shapes: conical, cylindrical or round.
Usually the root crop is in the soil at a depth of about 60 cm, and the roots
plants go even deeper into the ground – by about 1,5-2 m.
part of the carrot has stalks covered with coarse hairs, and
tricypical leaves on long petioles. During flowering
Plants form white umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Pollination occurs
thanks to various insects.
This vegetable grows best on loose soils cleared of weeds.
Carrots are very fond of sunlight, therefore, it is preferable for planting
choose unshaded places. At the same time, the vegetable is very hygrophilous and bad
tolerates drought, withering rapidly.
Carrots begin to be planted mainly in April, but to obtain
the earliest harvest, practice sowing before winter – with the first
frost. Harvesting takes place depending on the variety. The early ripening
carrots have a growing season of 80-100 days, and in late ripening
– 120-150.
Diseases and pests
Of all the diseases, carrots are most susceptible to attacks by various rot.
The most common is white rot, which affects
root crops, both in the process of growth and during storage. This disease
manifests itself in the form of a white “fluffy” plaque, which over time
thickens, forming black sclerotia. To prevent the occurrence
white rot during the growth of carrots, it is necessary to carefully handle
deep plowing. It is required to store root vegetables at a temperature
4-5 degrees.
Black and gray rot, in turn, hit the leaves of the plant.
The first covers them with brown spots, and the second affects the veins and petioles
leaves with gray-brown spots, which eventually pass
and the fruit. The cause of these diseases is infected seeds, roots
and plants remaining in the soil. Therefore, it is important to carry out the correct
crop rotation, thin and weed carrots in time and feed
her potash fertilizers. In addition, it should be carefully collected
harvest, protecting the carrot from injury.
Among pests, the greatest harm to carrots is caused by the so-called
carrot fly – a black shiny insect with a greenish tint,
reaching 5 mm in length. These flies are especially dangerous
with heavy rainfall. The insect lays eggs, and the developed
the larvae penetrate the root crop and pierce it with holes of the dark
colors. Such fruits begin to gradually lag behind in growth, and the leaves
the plants change color to purple, wither and die. Specialists
argue that damage can be avoided by choosing light
soil and after deep plowing of the soil in the fall. Also required
weeding and thinning carrots.
