Washington ranks first in the nation in production of processing carrots and fourth in the nation in production of fresh carrots. Washington carrot growers have a natural advantage over most states because of the deep, sandy soils and an abundance of water.
Washington ranks first in the nation in production of processing carrots and fourth in the nation in production of fresh carrots. Washington carrot growers have a natural advantage over most states because of the deep, sandy soils and an abundance of water.
Carrots can go from picking to frozen in 12 hours in Washington. Learn how Washington processors ensure high quality frozen vegetables.
- Carrot waste from processing is
used in dog food, livestock feed and a small portion of cull carrots are used for
carrot juice.
Did you know?
- Orange carrots are a great source of beta-carotene. Carrots contain a group of plant pigments called carotenoids, and beta-carotene is a member of this group. These plant pigments were first identified in carrots and therefore their name was derived from the word carrot.
Purple carrots contain purple pigments called anthocyanins, which act as anti-oxidants that protect the body.
Carrots go back thousands of years. Various parts of the world prefer different varieties, tracked at the World Carrot Museum. Washington harvests early "slicers" which are good for coin shapes and later "dicers" which can grow up to 3" in diameter and are cut into cubes.
Mercer Canyon Farms, Horse Heaven Hills, WA
Where do baby carrots come from? Many start out in Eastern Washington. (Click on the carrots)
A baby carrot isn't exactly a baby. Baby carrots come from a large carrot that has been rolled over blades and thrown around in a metal cage to be rubbed down to a short, round-ended baby carrot.
Got more questions about carrots? Ask the Farmer.
"The eyes (bones,teeth and skin) have it!"
Our bodies turn beta-carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for good health, especially for your eyes. Carrots are one of the best sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is good for your bones, teeth, vision, and your skin.
