Orange Carrots Delivery or Pickup

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.