How to Cook Carrots

Carrots can be shredded, diced, sliced, julienned, or cooked wholehttp://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/carrot1.html This guide will provide four techniques on how to cook carrots including roasting, boiling, steaming, and braising.http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--873/all-about-carrots.asp

Carrots are a versatile vegetable and can be used for many things, from salads to deserts. Carrots are said to originate from Afghanistan, the Latin name is Daucus carota (sativa) and they are part of the parsley family. http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/cooking_with_the_seasons/105785

Carrots are usually orange but are also commonly available in white.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-405638/Carrots--future-white.html. Until the 16th century, purple carrots were more readily available, the orange variety was first bred as a tribute to King William I of Orange in Holland.http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/carrot/

Carrots are an excellent nutritional source of beta-carotene, fiber, antioxidants and minerals.http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/nutrition.html Much of the nutritional value of carrots is found just under the skin, so it is best to avoid peeling.http://www.juicing-for-health.com/carrot-nutrition.html

Popular uses of carrots include eating raw, drank in carrot juice and various other drinks, in soups, in cakes (especially carrot cake).

Purchasing and selection of the best carrots is critical to the final taste of your recipe. Therefore this guide gives you the information you will need on techniques to adopt to purchase the best fresh carrots. You can also purchase carrots either frozen or canned, but this guide focuses on purchasing fresh carrots.

1. Carrots should be firm and smooth and without any splits or cracks.The World's Healthiest Foods: Carrots Whole Living: Power Foods: Carrotshttp://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21
2. Preferably select carrots with the greens still attached, as these tend to keep longer and taste fresher. If the carrots have greens attached, make sure the leaves are bright, feathered, and not wilted.http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=213 http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21
3. Choose carrots that are brightest in color. The deeper the orange, the more beta-carotene is present in the carrot.
4. Often, carrots that are larger around will have a sweeter flavor.
5. Avoid purchasing carrots that are soft or have begun to wither.
6. Avoid purchasing carrots which appear to have sunburned green areas at the top.

Required ingredients

1. Carrots

Required equipment

1. Vegetable Brush
2. Vegetable peeler, optional for organic carrotsThe World's Healthiest Foods: Carrots. With the peeling technique you will lose some of the minerals.
3. Knife

Preparation Method

1. Immediately trim the leafy tops of the carrots down to within one inch. Leaving the tops on will cause the carrots to go limp and lose some of their nutrients very quickly.http://www.wholeliving.com/article/power-food-carrots?autonomy_kw=carrots&rsc=header_1
2. With their tops cut, carrots can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
3. Wash in cold water and gently scrub with a vegetable brush.
4. You do not have to peel the carrots. However, peel them if they are not organically grown.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21
5. Carrots can be left whole, cut into long strips, or sliced into disks. Choose the best option for your needs.
6. If your carrots appear limp or dehydrated, you can reinvigorate them by placing them in a bowl of ice water for about half an hour.http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/recipes.html

Roasting Carrots

• What You'll Need

1. 12 carrots, cut on the diagonal into 2-inch lengths and halved lengthwise if thick.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/roasted-carrots-with-honey?autonomy_kw=roasted%20carrots&rsc=header_5
2. 3 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1-1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5. Rimmed baking sheet

• What to Do

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-carrots-recipe/index.html
2. Toss all ingredients on a baking sheet.
3. Put into the center of the oven.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Balsamic-Roasted-Carrots-107359
4. Roast until golden brown and tender (about 20 to 35 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Boiling Carrots

• What You'll Need

1. Desired amount of carrots
2. Water to cover the carrots
3. Salt
4. Saucepan

• What to Do

1. Boil salted water in a saucepan.http://www.thegreatcarrot.com/carrot-recipes-3.html
2. Add carrots and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain and let cool.

Braising Carrots

• What You'll Need

1. 2 pounds carrots, sliced
2. 1 tablespoon butter
3. 1 teaspoon sugar
4. 1/4 cup water
5. Skillet

• What to Do

1. Melt butter over medium heat.http://www.recipezaar.com/Braised-Carrots-184763
2. Add carrots and cook for three minutes. Add sugar and cook for one more minute.
3. Add water and reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer covered for 10 to 20 minutes.

1. Add a little brown sugar for a sweet side dish.All Recipes: Candied Carrots

2. For a little kick, add ginger ale and chili powder.Food Network: Glazed Carrots

3. Robert Irvine mashes his carrots together with rutabaga.Food Network: Carrots and Rutabaga Mash

4. Martha Stewart adds a bit of ginger and honey to her carrots.Martha Stewart: Carrots with Ginger and Honey

5. Combine bread carrots, crumbs, eggs and spices to make carrot patties.Martha Stewart: Carrot Patties