Carrots are thought to have been cultivated 5000 years ago in many different colours including red, yellow and purple varieties. The bright orange carrot we know and love today was developed in Holland in the 16th century when they crossed red and yellow varieties.

Carrots contain beta-carotene which is a form of vitamin A. One medium carrot will provide the recommended daily requirement of vitamin A for an average adult. They also contain vitamins B1 and B6, and are a healthy low calorie snack.

Try this delicious carrot recipe

CARROT, ORANGE and ALMOND SOUP

Ingredients:
6 carrots, prepared and sliced
2 onions, chopped
4oz (100g.) ground almonds
1 orange
A little butter
seasoning
2 pints (1 litre or about 5 cups) vegetable (or chicken) stock

Method:
1. Melt the butter in a large pan and add the prepared carrots and onions
2. Cook gently for a few minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Don’t let them burn
3. Add the stock and seasoning to taste and bring to the boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes until vegetables are tender
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute or two
6. Blend quickly in a liquidizer or food processor and return to the pan
7. Finely grate half the peel of the orange and add to the soup with the almonds
8. Squeeze the juice from the orange and add to the pan
9. Re-heat gently for a few minutes and serve hot

Growing Carrots

One of the best things about growing your own food is that you can eat the fruits of your labour while very young and sweet! Make sure you remember to eat the tiny carrots you thin out from your lines. They are perfect in a salad bowl.

The carrot recipe above is one of many more veggie recipe ideas included in the new updated edition of Growing Everyday Vegetables – quick download and available in lots of online stores now!

Growing Everyday Vegetables

Amazon US , Amazon UK , Apple Bookstore , Kobo , Barnes & Noble (Nook) , Etsy  ,

Bon Appetit and Happy Gardening!
Linda x