Here at Evolve Farm we grow three amazing carrot varieties: Caravel, Candy, and Yaya. All three are orange varieties that taste delicious. Let’s get picking!

How to Harvest Carrots: Time to Get Your Hands Dirty!

Picking carrots is like uncovering hidden treasures beneath the soil. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to harvesting your fresh, tasty carrots:

Step-by-Step Harvesting:

  1. Look for the tops – Carrots are ready when their leafy green tops stand tall and vibrant.
  2. Check for size – The tops of the carrots peeking out of the ground should be at least 1 inch in diameter. Give them a little tug—if they feel secure and solid, they’re ready!
  3. Wiggle and pull – Grab the green tops close to the base (near the soil), give them a gentle wiggle, and pull straight up.

Nutritional Benefits: Carrots Are More Than Just Crunchy Snacks

The carrots you’ll pick—whether it’s the Caravel, Candy, or Yaya variety—aren’t just bursting with flavor; they’re packed with nutrients, too! Here’s why you’ll want to fill your basket with these vibrant veggies:

  • Rich in Vitamin A: Carrots are famous for their beta-carotene, which is amazing for your vision and skin.
  • Fiber-filled: Keep your digestion happy with all that fiber.
  • Great for hydration: Carrots are about 88% water, so they’re a refreshing snack, especially on a sunny day at the farm.
  • Boost your immune system: Loaded with antioxidants, carrots help fight off free radicals and keep your body strong.

How to Clean and Store Your Freshly Picked Carrots

Once you’ve picked your perfect bunch of carrots, it’s time to clean and store them so they stay crisp and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy them.

Cleaning Your Carrots:

  1. Rinse off the dirt – Give them a good scrub under cold water at home. You can use a vegetable brush to remove any stubborn dirt, but no need to peel them—the skin is full of nutrients!

  2. Trim the tops –  Snip the green tops off to keep the carrots from drying out. Leave about 1 inch of stem.

Storing Your Carrots:

    1. In the fridge: Place the carrots in a plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel, then store them in the crisper drawer. This keeps them crunchy and fresh for up to 3 weeks!

    2. For longer storage: If you want to save your carrots for later, try freezing them. Slice, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, cool in an ice bath, and freeze in a single layer. They’ll be ready for soups, stews, or roasting!

Ways to Preserve Your Carrots: Taste the Harvest All Year Round

Love your freshly picked carrots so much you want to keep enjoying them long after the season ends? Here’s how to easily preserve your harvest:

1. Pickling Carrots:

  • Slice your carrots into sticks or rounds.
  • Prepare a brine with vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and your favorite spices (think garlic, dill, or chili flakes).
  • Pour the brine over your carrots in a clean jar and refrigerate. In just a few days, you’ll have tangy, crunchy pickled carrots to snack on or use in salads!

2. Freezing Carrots:

  • After cleaning, slice your carrots into coins or sticks.
  • Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool them in an ice bath.
  • Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for easy use later.

Easy Carrot Recipes: From Farm to Fork

Now that you’ve picked your bounty, let’s put those carrots to delicious use! Here are three simple recipes to showcase your fresh harvest:

Roasted Caramelized Carrots

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch of U-Pick carrots
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • Fresh thyme (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss the cleaned carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Lay them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  4. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle with fresh thyme if you like.

Carrot Top Pesto

Don’t toss those tops! Turn them into a delicious pesto.
Ingredients:

  • Carrot tops (from 1 bunch)
  • 1/4 cup nuts (almonds or pine nuts work great)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  2. Use as a dip, sandwich spread, or toss with pasta!

Carrot Slaw

A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
Ingredients:

  • 4 carrots, grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Directions:

  1. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Toss with the grated carrots and herbs.
  3. Chill and serve as a side dish or sandwich topping!