Crunchy, Colorful Carrots

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North American carrots are classified into five major categories (see chart), based on the shape of their roots. There is plenty of crossover between categories (for example, Nantes-Imperator types), but these general classifications are useful for choosing varieties based on the type of soil in your garden and the season in which you plan to grow them.

Nantes: straight, cylindrical roots 5 to 7 inches long; sweet flavor and crisp texture;
limited storage potential
Varieties:‘Early Nantes’ (OP*), ‘Nelson’ (F1*), ‘Mokum’ (F1)
Season: spring to early summer, late summer to fall
Soil: loose, sandy soil or raised beds enriched with organic matter
Days to Maturity: 55 to 70 in spring, 60 to 75 in fall

Chantenay: conical roots with broad shoulders and rounded tips; rich, sweet flavor and good storage potential
Varieties:‘Red Core Chantenay’ (OP), ‘Kuttiger’ (OP), ‘Kurota’ (OP)
Season: spring to early summer, midsummer to late fall
Soil: best varieties for clay soil, or any fertile loam
Days to Maturity: 55 to 70 in spring; 70 to 110 in fall

Imperator: long, tapered roots with stocky shoulders and strong tops; slightly fibrous texture; stores well
Varieties:‘Yellowstone’ (OP), ‘Purple Haze’ (F1), ‘Sugarsnax’ (F1)
Season: spring to summer in cool climates, or summer to fall
Soil: requires deep, sandy loam
Days to Maturity: 55 to 100 in spring, 80 to 110 in fall

Danvers: thick-rooted cylindrical shape, often with yellowish core; widely used in
processing; stores well and good for juicing
Varieties: ‘Danvers’ (OP), ‘Healthmaster’ (F1), ‘Danvers Half Long’ (OP)
Season: spring to summer in cool climates, or summer to fall
Soil: deep, sandy loam or raised beds
Days to Maturity: 70 to 80 in spring, 80 to 110 in fall

Miniature & Baby: round, cylindrical or tapered roots less than 5 inches long; crisp
texture and frequently quite sweet; limited storage potential
Varieties:‘Thumbelina’ (OP), ‘Little Finger’ (OP), ‘Parmex’ (OP)
Season: spring to early summer, late summer to fall
Soil: any fertile soil that drains well
Days to Maturity: 50 to 60 in spring, 60 to 70 in fall

*OP = Nonhybrid, seed can be saved; F1 = hybrid, seed cannot be saved

(Continue reading "The Carrot Grower's Art")

PICKLED CARROTS WITH GINGER

For an interesting mix of flavors, try using different colors and varieties of carrots in this recipe. And once you’ve eaten all the carrots, you can use the pickling liquid as a salad dressing or marinade.

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