I grew two varieties of carrots this year: Red Core Chantenay and Scarlet Keeper. The Chantenays are little short stocky carrots that I grew because of my shallow raised beds. The first ones that I pulled were disappointing in their flavor when I ate them raw- bitter and dry. I’ve still got most of them in the ground and the other day for dinner I was desperate so I pulled a handful and was surprised by how big they had gotten:
When I first picked them, they were all small like the one in the front, but you can see how large they have grown now.
I sauteed them in a little butter then threw in a handful of broccoli and some water to let them steam together. I tossed them with a little salt and pepper and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley and they were divine! The cooking made them so tender and mild that I was picking them off Pete’s plate when he wasn’t looking.
I didn’t think I was going to grow these again next year, but they surprised me so much that I think I’ll grow them again after all.
I’ve yet to pull up any of the Keepers, since they are…well, keepers. I just thought I’d leave those in the ground for a while until I needed them.
I was thinking of leaving a few of them in the ground to let them go to seed next year. Anyone have any experience with this?
We’ve never had a lick of success at growing carrots but I was never too offended as I don’t really care for them. I do think they look cool though and your pic is excellent. They look good to me but I don’t like the taste. Anyhow, I would grow them just for the pics if nothing else…if I could grow them at all!
I’ve been reading that cold weather helps to sweeten carrots, turnips and other root crops. After the frosts start the root vegetable start producing more sugars and sweeten right up. Or so I’ve read.
Elizabeth is right. I leave my carrots in the ground until we’ve had a few light frosts (which isn’t difficult in northern Maine). My sister always pulls hers early and they are bitter. I’ve never had that problem. It pays to wait.