Carrot is a biennial plant that originated in Iran. Its botanical name is Daucus Carota, and it belongs to the Apiaceae family. The yellow or purple carrot was domesticated in Asia in the 10th century before being brought to Europe two centuries later.
It was used as a healthy food crop and eaten in different parts of Asia and Europe. It later found its way to Africa and is now used for cooking various delicacies and cuisines. Carrots are among the most commonly consumed vegetables and are available in the market both in their natural and processed form.
The carrot is a root vegetable often claimed to be the perfect healthy food. It has numerous health benefits. Carrot, just like potatoes, is a root crop, and it is biennial but usually grown as an annual.
Carrots take two to three months to grow from sowing to harvest. Their stalks are 30cm long with small white flowers. As biennial plants, they grow slowly and are available in over 500 varieties.
They can also be called:
Preferred Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Preferred Common Name: Carrot
Nutrient Composition Of Carrots
Carrot’s water content ranges from 86–95%, and the edible portion consists of about 10% carbs. The fat and protein content in carrots is very low. The nutrients composition in small to medium raw carrots (100 grams) are:
- Calories: 41
- Water: 88%
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Carbs: 9.6 grams
- Sugar: 4.7 grams
- Fiber: 2.8 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Carrots are about 10% carbs, consisting of starch, fiber, and simple sugars. Carrot is a source of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, also an excellent source of several B vitamins and vitamin k and potassium. Plant compounds, particularly carotenoids such as beta carotene and lutein, are found in carrots.
Medicinal Benefits And Uses Of Carrots
Carrot has numerous health benefits in the human body such as:
Reduced Risk Of Cancer
Carrots are rich in carotenoids, and diets rich in carotenoids may help protect against several types of cancer such as prostate, colon, and stomach cancers. There may be a reduced risk of breast cancer for women with high levels of carotenoids.
Lower Blood Cholesterol
Carrot has low cholesterol; it is a healthy vegetable that promotes heart health. An individual who consumes foods high in cholesterol is at a higher risk of having heart disease.
Weight Loss
Carrot is a good vegetable choice for a weight loss diet because it is a low-calorie food. It can increase food satisfaction and decrease calorie intake in the subsequent meal.
Eye Health
Low vitamin A in the body may result in night blindness. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and eating carrots and other vitamin A foods or carotenoids may reduce night blindness symptoms.
How To Grow Carrot
The following are information concerning growing carrot:
Yield Information Of Carrots
The maturity of carrots can occur within two to three months after planting. Some carrots can be tape-red and cylindrical, short and fat, round or fingered sized, depending on the variety. Some types can grow up to 10 inches long while others are shorter.
Carrots have a growth status of about five different stages, which are:
- Stage 1 – 20 days after sowing
- Stage 2 – 40 days after sowing
- Stage 3 – 60 days after sowing
- Stage 4 – 75 days after sowing
- Stage 5 – 90 days after sowing
A carrot plant produces one fruit, but sometimes, they join themselves to form two. The carrot plant dies after harvesting, and the seeds can be used in the new planting season.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements
Carrots can be grown on individual beds, raised mounds, or directly in the ground. Their seedlings are planted on tilled, turned over, and aired soil. Raised beds are most suitable for growing carrots because carrots are provided with good soil conditions to reach their full potential.
Plant your carrots seeds directly in the garden. Cold soil within 50 to 70 degrees is ideal for planting carrots but 70 degrees is the most suitable. The soil should be 12 inches deep, and the surface should be smooth. Distribute the seeds evenly over the area and water well.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Carrots
The soil requirement for planting carrots is deep, loose, loamy soil with a soil pH between 5.5 to 7 (but 6.5 is the most suitable for a good yield). Do not plant carrots in very loose and heavy soils, as these soils do not promote plant growth.
Before planting:
- Add aged compost or commercial organic planting mix to the planting beds.
- Turn the soil to 12 inches or more.
- Free the planting bed from clods, rocks, and solid objects before planting because obstructed carrot roots will not grow well.
- You may work rock phosphate or wood ashes into the soil to ensure fertility.
- Raised or mounded beds are the most suitable for planting carrots.
The soil temperature requirement for carrots is 45°F to 85°F for plants to germinate; plants in cold soil will grow very slowly. Carrots grow best at an average temperature of 60°F to 65°F. Flavorful carrots are those grown in cool weather and soils
Plant carrot in full sun for optimal growth as partial shade will lead to slow plant growth, leading to poor plant yield. The sun requirement for growing carrots is 6 to 8 hours of sunlight during the day.
To achieve an optimum yield from your carrot plant, make sure to meet the sunlight requirement because sunlight supports the plant’s growth. Forking and split roots will occur to plants on soil with too much moisture or excessive nitrogen.
Watering Requirements Of Carrots
Do not allow the soil to dry out. Ensure that the plant is evenly wet/moist to fasten its growth. Reduce watering of plants as they mature because overwatered plants at the end of their growing time may have root cracks. Ensure that you water them at the right time and adequately.
Like other vegetables, carrots require a minimum of 1 inch of water every week. Watering enables the roots to grow deep and allows the plants to flourish. If there is no adequate rainfall, you will need to water the soil to make it soft enough for root penetration.
Planting And Spacing Requirements Of Carrots
The shape, size, and color of carrots when they reach maturity are determined by their spacing. Enough space allows the roots to develop and retain many nutrients. Crop rotation is the most suitable planting practice for carrots because it enables the optimal production of carrots.
Planting requirements for carrot seed in warm weather is ¼ to ½ inch deep about 1 inch apart, and in dry weather, plant seeds more than ½ inch deep. Germination will occur in 14 to 21 days; ensure that the seedbed remains wet until seeds germinate.
To speed seed germination, soak the seed in warm water overnight or for hours before planting. A large planting space gives a better yield than a small space. About 18 carrot plants should be on a square foot portion of land.
Harvesting Of Carrots
Depending on the variety, mature carrots can be harvested after 50 to 80 days of planting, while young carrots will take 30 to 40 days before harvesting. Once they are big enough to use, they can be harvested. Carrots should be harvested when the soil is moist.
To harvest carrots in loose soil, lift the plant by hand and where the soil is heavy, use a spading fork to loosen the soil and gently pull the plant so that they do not break. The remaining carrot root in the soil should not be disturbed.
Carrots may be left in the ground throughout the season; so far, the temperature is 20°F and above. In this case, cover carrots with heavy mulch.
Storage Of Carrot
Short-term storage of carrots can be up to a month if properly stored. Cut the green part of the carrot off, place carrots in a container with water, then cover the lid tightly. Keep the container in the refrigerator and change the water every 4-5 days.
You may store carrots for the long-term by keeping them unwashed and covered by sand. If stored in this manner in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area, the carrots will last up to 5 or 6 months.
They can also be left in the ground, covered with mulch, and used as needed. Since carrots are planted from the fruit, they can be preserved in the same way for the new planting season.
Diseases And Pests Of Carrot
Carrot production may be hindered by several diseases and pests such as:
Black Rot
Symptoms of black rot include damping-off of seedlings, blighted foliage, root and crown necrosis, sunken lesions on taproot. Fungi causes it. Practicing long crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and treating seeds with hot water before planting are ways to control black rot disease.
Cercospora Leaf Blight
Cercospora leaf blight causes small necrotic flecks on leaves which develop a chlorotic halo and expand into brown necrotic spots. Fungi causes it. Planting only pathogen-free seeds, Practicing crop rotation are ways to manage Cercospora leaf blight.
Bacterial Leaf Blight
Bacterial leaf blight causes small, angular spots on leaves, which expands to irregular shaped water-soaked lesions, and leaves may become curled. Bacteria cause it. Planting disease-free seed not using sprinkler irrigation to prevent disease infection through water splashing are ways to control bacterial leaf blight.
Cavity Spot
An oomycete causes the cavity spot, and its symptoms include sunken, gray lesions across the root. Small vertical cracks form on the cavity. It is controlled by avoiding fields known to have carrot spots previously and planting resistant varieties.
Aphids
Aphids are small-bodied insects on the underside of leaves or stems of plants, usually green or yellow. It causes leaves to become yellow and distorted. Insect causes it. You can manage Aphids culturally by pruning leaves or shoots to control the infestation, checking transplants for aphids before planting, and using resistant varieties if available.
Conclusion
With their abundance of beta-carotene, carrots pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. Beyond their well-known ability to support eye health and potentially prevent macular degeneration, these vibrant veggies also boast a healthy dose of antioxidants that can bolster the immune system and fend off illnesses. Plus, thanks to their high fiber content, carrots are great for digestion and promoting gut health. And with their low calorie and fat content, they’re a smart choice for managing your weight.
Carrots possess a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin K, making them a valuable addition to any diet. These nutrients play a crucial role in enhancing overall wellness by promoting skin integrity, fortifying bones, and supporting optimal cardiovascular function. Thus, incorporating carrots into a well-rounded diet is a vital step towards achieving holistic well-being.