Carrot

The carrot is a plant of the family Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae) whose edible portion, the root is a vegetable essential to our diet. Also belong to this family turnips, celery and fennel but the most important species is the carrot.


From meaty texture, conical and orange, there are about 50 varieties of carrots. Basically are classified according to their length, shape, thickness and color. Are distinguished in the short - French (less than 10 cm. In length), the semi long (10 to 20 cm) and long (20 cms). Carrots

The most appreciated are the smallest, but must have the following characteristics: be hard, smooth, uniform, without cracks and with a bright orange.

The best carrots are in season from November to March, although there is a variety grown in some places that mature in autumn and produces so-called mini carrots, very sweet and soft but with a higher consumer prices.

At the time of keeping them at home, should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator and in perforated plastic bags and can last up to several weeks.

Carrots can be eaten in many different ways, raw, fried, steamed or boiled or grilled. And used in countless recipes varied, are grated, whole, cut into pieces or even squeezed. It is advisable not to peel, but only wash them well and scrape the surface.

May join in salads, other vegetables accompanying side dish or being meat and fish. Use carrots when making soups, stews, salads, etc.. increases the nutritional value of the dishes.

Organic Vegetables Nutritional properties
And this is because they have high nutritional value. Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals. And although its main component is water, is of vegetables have more carbohydrates. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (or pro-vitamin A), is the component that confers characteristic orange. This carotene, once in the body is converted into vitamin A, so important and necessary for the health, among other things known for being beneficial for the eyes as it nourishes the optic nerve. Also contain B vitamins, vitamin E and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iodine and phosphorous.

Also carrots are beneficial to regulate intestinal transit and help lower cholesterol.

Another virtue of the carrots, apart from protecting our view is to improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair. Eating carrots helps increase melanin which is the pigment that gives color to the skin and protect it from the sun's harmful rays (UVA and UVB).