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Orange Carrots Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to carrot products
About carrots
Although we associate carrots with the color orange, there are carrot cultivars in purple, black, red, white, and yellow. This root vegetable has been around for a long time. Carrot seeds that date back to 2,000 B.C.-3,000 B.C. have been found in Europe. As we know it today, the carrot has been domesticated and selectively bred over centuries to form an enlarged, sweeter, and less woody-textured taproot that's more palatable to humans.Â
Because the taproot wasn't that tasty back in the day, the carrot was originally cultivated for its aromatic leaves and seeds. We still eat the leaves and seeds of many of the carrot's close relatives, such as coriander, cilantro, fennel, dill, and cumin. Today, there are two broad categories of carrots: Eastern and Western carrots. Eastern carrots were first cultivated in Persia around the 10th century, and their modern descendants are typically purple or yellow and have branched roots.
The orange carrots that we know so well made their first appearance in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Some believe that Dutch growers purposefully cultivated an orange carrot as an act of patriotism and honored their king, William of Orange. However, the evidence is inconclusive.
How to pick out carrots
While carrots are available year-round, they actually have two seasons: late spring and fall. So you're bound to find fresher specimens at the markets or your local grocer during these months. To ensure that you're buying good quality carrots, regardless of the time of the year, there are a few things you can look out for. Carrots should be firm, brightly colored, and should feel sturdy. You want to stay away from limp carrots. If the leaves are still attached, these should also be crisp and green.
Other tell-tale signs that a carrot is not in peak condition are black discoloration around its top and a thin, hairy tip. However, a carrot with cracks is not necessarily a bad thing since some varieties crack as they grow. As long as the carrot is firm to the touch, a few cracks shouldn't matter.
How to store carrots
If your carrots arrive with their leaves still attached, remove the greens as they will pull moisture from the carrots. These greens are edible and can be used in salads or to make pesto. It's best not to wash carrots before storing them, as this can cause them to mold. Simply place them whole in an unsealed bag and store them in the fridge. Stored this way, they should last around two weeks.Â
Some people also recommend storing carrots in a shallow container of water in the fridge since this will keep them hydrated. Apparently, they can last up to a month when you store them with this method.Â
Carrots freeze well. All you need to do is remove the greens, wash the carrots and then peel and dice them. You should then blanch them in boiling water for about five minutes and promptly cool them. Then just place them in a sealed bag in the freezer.
Orange Carrots Near Me
Buy your favorite Orange Carrots online with Instacart. Order Orange Carrots from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about carrots
The orange color of the carrots we eat in the West is the result of an abundance of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A maintains healthy vision, boosts your immune system, and also supports the reproductive system. Carrots are also jam-packed with antioxidants, such as lutein and lycopene, as well as polyacetylenes, which research shows are bioactive compounds that protect the body from cancer. In addition, carrots are a good source of potassium, which assists in blood pressure control. They also have insoluble fibers, which promote gut health.
Apart from the ever-popular carrot cake, there are loads of sweet carrot dishes you can make. One delicious dish is the North Indian Gajar Ka Halwa carrot dessert. This is made with grated carrots cooked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and cardamon. After stirring for a few minutes, add chopped cashews, and after another 10 minutes, some ghee. Serve the dessert topped with a garnish of chopped almonds and pistachios. Other ideas for sweet carrot treats include carrot pecan pie, mini carrot pudding pies, and carrot cake fudge.
If you're brimming with ideas on how to use carrots in your next dessert, there's no need to drive to your local grocer. Simply open the Instacart app and order what you need online. One of our friendly Instacart shoppers will hand-select only the freshest carrots for you and can have them at your doorstep within a few hours! With Instacart, you get to spend less time in your car and more time at home with your family.