There are things to consider when you want to buy carrots. If you want to make the most out of them, then you should choose the right carrot carefully. You may find many carrots in your local supermarket and most grocery stores, but choosing the best must be your priority.
How to Choose Carrots
When finding the best ones, you have to choose those that have the same color from top to bottom. In addition, their skins must be smoothed and free of cracks. You can choose carrots that are slightly green at the crown, but you have to keep in mind that a dark coloring at the crown is an indication that the carrots are getting old. The usual carrots available are long and slender, but there are also short and fat carrots. You have to choose the carrots with fresh-looking greens when choosing carrots with stems attached. Carrots with soft spots, those that have blemishes, and those that have become limp must be avoided.
As for preparing carrots, there are basic procedures that you need to follow. These are cleaning the carrots, peeling and cutting them. You do not have to peel young carrots and baby carrots. However, older carrots must be peeled. You may prefer to eat carrots without cooking them but there are also various methods that you can consider when it comes to serving carrots, many of which you perhaps never thought of!
Different Ways To Enjoy This Vegetable
Roasting is one of the many methods available. When preparing roasted carrots, you have to first cut them into pieces thin enough to avoid burning them, and then use a baking pan and arrange the carrots within it. Then, toss them with oil and add seasonings if desired such as salt and pepper. You have to cover the baking pan with foil and bake the carrots for about 30 minutes a 425°F. Then, remove the foil and stir the carrots properly. Bake them without covering the pan for 5 to 10 minutes or wait until the carrots become tender.
Aside from roasting the carrots, there are other ways on how to cook carrots such as cooking them in a microwave, steaming carrots, and cooking them on the stove. As for microwaving the carrots, pour 2 tbsp water in a casserole dish as well as place one pound of carrots in it. Microwave them on high heat until they become crisp-tender. When cut in slices, you have to stir them once for about 6 to 9 minutes.
When cut into strips, stir the carrots for about 5 to 7 minutes and 7 to 9 minutes for using baby carrots. You can slice carrots, strips or use baby carrots when steaming. You can cook carrots in a steamer until they become tender-crisp for about 8 to 10 minutes for slices (1/4 inch), 5 to 7 minutes for strips, and for baby carrots, steam them for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also cook carrots in boiling salted water until they become tender-crisp.
Carrots can be used as an appetizer or a snack when eaten raw. They can also be sliced or grated for preparing a salad. Although you can have them raw, you can also benefit from cooking carrots since they can bring out their naturally sweet flavor.