Carrots are widely consumed root vegetables. It is known to be good for eye health in general, but the benefits of carrots are much more than that. Although there are about 60 different colors of carrots, the most known and consumed is the orange one. Black and purple carrots are also grown in our country. The place where it is most planted is the Beypazarı district of Ankara. Almost 40% of carrot cultivation in Turkey is in this region. Turkey is in 9th place in carrot production worldwide.
It is known that the origin of the carrot is Central Asia. It started to spread to Anatolia starting from the 15th century. In our country, it is possible to grow it in other regions except the Eastern Anatolia region. Apart from Ankara and Konya in Central Anatolia, it is also grown intensively in cities in the Mediterranean region. In the Aegean region, it is found in the provinces of Izmir and Manisa.
Carrots Season and Growing Conditions
Carrot season is ideally during the winter months. Weather conditions are important in quality carrot production. Planting time varies according to the weather conditions of the region; Autumn months are suitable for planting in places with mild weather. The temperature should be at least 9 degrees Celsius. There may be a risk of frost at lower temperatures. It is produced efficiently in moist, clayey, nutrient-rich soils.
Growing carrots at home is easier than you might think: Don't throw away the carrot heads that you cut. Put enough water in a container not to exceed the head of the carrots and leave it for 10-12 days. You can make the water more nutritious by adding liquid nutrients (or liquid fertilizer). You can also create a greenhouse effect by covering the container with cling film. We know that the carrots are ready to be planted when the greens on it grow. Having holes in the bottom of the pot is important for drainage, as it prevents excess water from accumulating under it and causing rot. For drainage, put pebbles at the bottom of the pot, and on top, a combination of peat mixture with soil and potting soil. Plant the carrots without damaging their roots and keep the fresh leaves level with soil and give life water. They will start to mature after about 1 month.
When to Buy the Cheapest Carrots
The winter months are the times when carrots will be available at cheap prices. Carrots planted in February – June are harvested in September – October.
Benefits of Carrots
Root vegetables such as carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 1-2 medium carrots are perfectly enough for daily consumption.
The alpha-carotene in it is beneficial for the lung and is anti-cancer.
Alpha-carotene, which turns into vitamin A when necessary, improves eye health and vision.
Antioxidant is one of the important vitamins in it for anti aging.
Thanks to the fibers in it, it helps to reduce the cholesterol level.
It is also important for cardiovascular diseases. It is also known to be good for the digestive system.
Raw carrots are very suitable in diet lists as it contains a lot of water and creates a feeling of satiety.
How to Consume Carrots
Carrots can be consumed in many ways depending on your taste and desire. Carrots can be consumed raw, cooked, fried and juiced. You should consume it without cutting and grating it for food without reducing the effect of the beneficial vitamins in it. When carrots are cooked, the amount of calories increases. When the carrot is eaten raw, it is good for teeth and gums. There are carrot recipes that are suitable for sweet and salty. You can add it raw to salads, cooked to appetizers, juice to smoothies and desserts to add a nice flavor. Carrot microgreens have up to 30 times more nutritional value than its mature form.
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