Carrots
Nature ’ s Bounty
THE CARROT !
Our vegetable for this edition is the CARROT . Cultivated thousands of years ago , the carrot had no resemblance to the orange variety we know today . In the 16th and 17th centuries , the Dutch stabilized and developed the strain we currently enjoy .
Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae family . They are cousins to parsnips , fennel , parsley , anise , caraway , cumin and dill . Carrots have a crunchy , sweet and minty aromatic taste .
Health benefits from carrots come from its beta-carotene and fiber content . It is also rich in vitamins A , C , K and B8 , pantothenic acid , folate , potassium , iron , copper and manganese .
So , take a tip from our good friend , Bugs Bunny – Enjoy Carrots !
VEGETABLES ROCK !
Vegetables are an important part of our daily diet . Eating more nutritious foods will lead to a healthier lifestyle is the goal of most families . Let ’ s turn this goal into action ! With just a little planning and a quick visit to the produce section of your supermarket , you , too , can attain this goal ! The benefits you will achieve over time are invaluable .
Low in calories and fat , vegetables have good amounts of vitamins and minerals . Veggies that are green , yellow and orange are good sources of calcium , magnesium , potassium , iron , beta-carotene , B-complex , vitamin C and vitamin K . Studies show that low calorie vegetables help our bodies stay fit and free from disease .
Vegetables are fun to eat – some crunch , some squirt and some you peel – and , you can grow them in your own backyard !
FUN CARROT FACTS !
The carrot is the 2nd most popular veggie after potatoes . The biggest carrot ever grown was 20 lbs , and the longest was over 19ft . There are over 100 species of carrots , including orange , purple , white , yellow and red .
Nutritious Meets Delicious
Think beyond crudite . You can enjoy carrots – a crunchy , sweet root vegetable , using these recipes . Your kids will thank you !
Roasted Carrots AND Parsnips
1 lb each carrots and parsnips peeled and cut into uniform pieces 2 T of olive oil Salt and Pepper to taste Directions : Pre heat oven to 400 . Spread carrots and parsnips in a single layer on a baking sheet . Roast for 30 to 40 minutes ( depending on size of veggie ) until tender and caramelized .
6
Carrot and Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
3 cups pre-shredded carrots 1 cup shredded Rotisserie chicken breast ¾ cup golden raisins and / or dried cranberries 8 oz . can drained crushed pineapple 1 / 3 cup light mayo – more , if needed 1T sugar or honey 1 / 4t salt Dash of lemon juice 4 to 6 Lettuce Leaves ( Iceberg , Butter , Red or Green Leaf ) Directions : In a bowl , combine all ingredients except lettuce . Refrigerate for one hour . Put a generous amount of mixture in each lettuce leaf and wrap burrito style . Enjoy !