Vegetable of the month: Carrot

The humble carrot, a kitchen staple, is actually a member of the parsley family. Unlike many other vegetables carrots don’t need to be dug up before winter. When carrots get cold their sugars get more concentrated making them sweeter. Tasty!>

In the dark

The urban legend that carrots make you to see in the dark started during World War II. To cover up the use of radar technologies during night missions the RAF circulated the story that pilots consumed carrots due to the exceptionally high levels beta-carotene and vitamin A. Both of which are vital for healthy eyes.

The extra mile

Carrots are travelling nearly 60% further on UK roads than in the 1970s. This increase in food mileage is in part due to the centralisation of our food distribution systems. Direct sales from producer to consumer can reduce the distance our food travels. It also increases the likelihood that food is fresh and opens a dialogue between farmers and consumers about the management of our countryside.

Store

Cut the green tops off your carrots before storing them in an airtight container the fridge. The leaves draw moisture from the root and can make your carrots go limp before their time. If you want to keep them extra crisp, you can even go a step further by immersing them in a sealed container of cold water. Be sure to change the water every few days.