Carrots - How To Use

(In dry format is known as Carrot Flakes, Carrot Powder)

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China is the globes largest cultivator of this root vegetable. Carrot Flakes & Powder is the result of dehydrated carrots in flakes format and is milled in powder format, which preserves the nutrients and minerals.

Health

Sweet and mild in flavour, carrots contain an abundance of the antioxidant beta carotene important in a diet as a precursor of Vitamin A. There are many vitamins in dehydrated carrots, one being vitamin C which has vital antioxidant properties, that may play a role in immune support, cardiovascular function, and support with those who live with diabetes and skin health. 

Interesting facts

• Traditionally carrot roots were red or purple. However, the Dutch introduced the common orange variety to the world in the 16th Century.

• The Japanese gave us yellow carrots. Today it is somewhat common to see all four colours in supermarkets, although it is fair to say that orange is still the predominant variety. Although carrots don't improve your eyesight, a lack of vitamin A would cause sight impairment and eventually loss if not addressed.

• During World War II, the British Government, supported by Walt Disney, informed the public that carrots would help improve night vision. As there were long periods of blackouts between 1940 and 1945, the public embraced said messaging, and in fact, many of the population are still persuaded by this. However, there was underlying propaganda, as the British public were on food rations, because of the war. As carrots were plentiful and cheap, it was an easy win for the British Government from an availability perspective. The then Minister of food was known to have said, "a carrot a day keeps blackout at bay" The same propaganda was also embraced by the Americans, probably because of Walt Disney's involvement.

• As early as the 1300s snowmen are known to have utilised carrots as noses. It is likely because the carrot on the snowmen would enhance the cold and the fierce character, they portraited. 

Chief Flavour Compound

The terpenes of carrots are very complex. It can be down to the temperature of the soil they are grown in, which may alter the sweetness of the carrot.

Predominately sweet with multiple sugars: glucose, fructose and sucrose. Terpinolene and myrcene give carrots their harshness in taste. Myrcene is found in allspice, lemongrass and cumin. It also encompasses eugenin found in cloves which gives carrots its bitterness. Pyrazines give it the earthy flavour profile found in black or green tea, malt, paprika and sesame.