7 Reasons to Celebrate Carrots

Carrots: it’s easy to take them for granted, but don’t, because there are all sorts of reasons to celebrate carrots.

I have to come right out and say this: we love carrots, we really do. If you have spent any time on this blog at all you probably noticed that they appear in many of the recipes. Somehow we find a way to include them on a regular basis.

Why Should We Celebrate Carrots?

Why is this and what is so great about carrots, you ask? Well, first of all, they are wonderfully good for you and you can read all about that on our post about the Benefits of Carrots. But when it comes to cooking they have so much to offer and they are quite versatile. 

So, that’s why we decided it was time for 7 reasons to celebrate the humble carrot!

1. Carrots are Sweet

It’s amazing, really, how this simple root is so very sweet. We’re fortunate to own a juicer (which we bought years ago) and it is a delight to get a big glass of carrot juice from it. Its like concentrated carrot flavor and its so satisfyingly sweet! If you enjoy carrot juice but don’t like how expensive it is at the store you might consider a juicer for yourself. They are a little big for some kitchens (like our’s) but they store pretty easily.

But its not just juice! Dishes that have a high percentage of carrots in them have a delightful sweetness. Our Carrot Ginger Soup is a delicious example thats so quick to make.

2. Carrots are Colorful

That familiar vivid orange color we all love is a fun addition to meals. Just having carrots on the plate adds powerful color to a meal and attractive meals always taste better, right? When carrots are added to a recipe, like our Nacho Cheese Sauce, its visually transformed! Fun fact: not only can carrots come in many colors, like white, purple, and even green, but the common orange color came about on purpose!

3. Carrots are Versatile

Think about all the different ways you can prepare carrots. You can shred them and add to salads and wraps, make decorative garnishes, and you can make all sorts of other shapes: sticks, slices, or spirals! On their own, you can eat them raw, steamed, or roasted and they have a tremendous shelf life.

4. Carrots are the Ultimate Easy Snack.

There’s a reason why the markets always have a good supply of those little bags of baby carrots! For years parents have popped those into school lunch boxes or lunch bags for Summer camp. But you can absolutely be more waste-conscious and avoid those little plastic bags because you can cut up full sized carrots, pop them into a container and they are ready to go!

5. Carrots are Finger Food and Utensil

Chips can do this too, but they’re nowhere near as good for you. So we give carrots high marks for seamlessly going from finger food side-dish bowl to scooping up hummus and dips. No fuss, no muss and no utensils to clean! And a total beach food, just sayin’. 🙂

6. Carrots add Texture and Volume

Carrots are a kind of extender and expander.  Shredding them adds color and volume to a salad, and does the same for a wrap. They are a great addition to a hearty dish like our Lentil Soup with Rice.

Unexpected guests? Extend a soup or stew by tossing in some carrots for a few extra servings. 

7. Carrots are Cheap 

Let’s face it, this is a big deal. Food can be expensive and saving money is a very good idea. But being frugal doesn’t mean cheap, unhealthy food. Carrots, like beans and rice, are economical and a lot better for you than lots of products you could buy. And, again, they keep for a long time in the fridge so you are less likely to need to throw them out.

These are our favorite reasons why we love to eat and cook with carrots. How about you? Why do you celebrate carrots? What are your favorite ways to eat them? Tell us in the comments below!