Health & Cooking Tip: Carrots  — More Exciting Than You Think!  |  Creative Carrot Recipes & More

Carrots!  Practically a staple in the typical home, not just in America but across the world.  Easy to store, affordable, and readily available, there’s no doubt that this powerhouse vegetable is good for you too.  But exciting?  Not exactly, you probably think.

We’re here to change that!  In addition to giving you the nutritional low-down and a less-than-typical recipe, we’ve got a Royal scandal that explains the emphasis on carrots being good for your eyesight.  So read on!

Are carrots really that great for you?

• Carrots contain a wide array of vitamins and fiber, but they’re best known for the amount of Vitamin A they provide — approximately 210% of the average adult daily need
• They’re high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which gives carrots their bright orange color and converts to vitamin A during digestion
• The antioxidants in carrots have been known to minimize the risk of a wide variety of cancers

Is their a connection between carrots and good vision?

• Yes, they’re good for your eyes, but not on the exaggerated scale we were taught as kids!  For people that are vitamin A deficient (particularly in developing countries), carrots are highly beneficial for vision.
• The hype connecting carrots and good vision on a larger scale started during World War II when the Royal Air Force ran advertising implying the secret to their fighter pilots’ sharp vision was carrots!  In reality, they were trying to keep their new radar system a secret.  But the scandalous rumor spread and has been popular through modern day, convincing small children across the globe to eat this orange veggie!

Which carrots are the freshest?

• Carrots that are 8” or less with a fairly even shape and skin tone are the most ideal
• For more tips about carrot quality, read under the “Selection of Carrots” heading here

While eating carrot sticks raw or having cooked carrots as a side, can be delicious, it can also get old.  Here’s one recipe to “spice” things up!

RECIPE: Carrot Spice Pancakes  If you like carrot cake, then you’ll love these too!

Start with 2 cups of your favorite pancake batter, then fold in these ingredients:

• 3/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom (good, but optional)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Cook batter on a hot skillet and serve with yogurt, maple syrup or your favorite topping.

Want some dinner-friendly recipes too?  Check out this collection of 20 creative carrot recipes compiled by Rachel Ray.  Eat up and enjoy!

Here at The Cabinet Store + Culina Design we know that what you eat is just as personal of a decision as what you select when remodeling your kitchen. We’re here to listen and help.   Your kitchen should be creative and healthy too!  Offering a wide variety of cabinetry and countertops, we specialize in an easy design process and high quality products.  Get in touch or stop by our Apple Valley showroom today!