Also Known as
Lal Gajar, gaajar

Description
Carrots can come in a wide variety of colors derived from several different pigments. Red carrot is one of them. It is red because of the Lycopene pigment, also found in tomatoes. Carrot have a long, narrow, cylindrical cone shape root, It has a thick, fleshy, deeply colored root, which grows underground, and feathery green leaves that emerge above ground. Carrot roots have a crunchy texture and a sweet and minty aromatic taste, while the greens are fresh tasting and slightly bitter

How to Select
Carrot roots should be firm, smooth, relatively straight and bright in color. The deeper the red-color, the more beta-carotene is present in the carrot. Avoid carrots that are excessively cracked or forked as well as those that are limp or rubbery.

Culinary Uses
" Carrots have a mild, pleasant flavour that is great by themselves or blended with other foods.
" Crunchy or soft, from soups to salad, it's entirely up to your mood or your menu.
" Kids (even toddlers) like the mild taste of carrots.
" Cook grated carrots with beans, split peas, lentils, rice, pastas. Good in stuffing.
" Try them roasted - split large carrots lengthways and brush with a little oil then put on a roasting tray in a 200c oven for about 45 minutes until tender and browned. Try roast carrots, potato, sweet potato and pumpkin serve with steamed green vegetables and a nice sauce.
" Add to sauces, white or red. Grated carrots give body and impart subtle flavour, and they fit any tomato or creamy soup, sauce, or casserole.
" Mix finely-ground carrots into peanut butter. New kind of crunch.
" Hot and Cold Salad: Sautè onion, green pepper, and grated or finely sliced carrots. Remove from heat and pour your preferred salad vinegar over hot veggies. (It will hiss and steam.) While hot, add to chilled salad greens. Toss and serve.
" Carrot juice, because of its many healthy benefits, is frequently called the "miracle juice."
" Mix carrot pulp and add to spaghetti sauce along with the fresh onions and garlic. Save the pulp and make delicious muffins with whole wheat flour and honey.
" You can also pickle carrot. These pickled carrots make a wonderful condiment with curry, and add a tangy, sweet and sour note to salads.
" Carrot jam is surprisingly palatable. Like marmalade, this sweet jam uses carrots to provide extra dimensions of texture and flavour for a fun topping with a tangy taste.

How to Store
Carrots are hardy vegetables that will keep longer than many others if stored properly. The trick to preserving the freshness of carrot roots is to minimize the amount of moisture they lose. To do this, make sure to store them in the coolest part of the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel.

Health benefits
" Red carrots contain Lycopene in addition to - and ß-carotene which helps prevent heart disease and some cancers including prostate cancer
" Rich in vitamin B complex and carotene they enhance the immune system, improve eyesight and skin health.
" The unique combination of fibre, vitamins and other micronutrients and antioxidants provide them the unique power to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure.
" It boosts the immunity (especially among older people) and fights against infection. Also fights against Bronchitis and Anaemia.